Rare waterspout in Vizhinjam sea; Similar phenomenon before Okhi, concern in coastal areas

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A rare waterspout (sea whirl) in the sea at Vizhinjam. It was noticed near the coastal area last evening and it continued for half an hour. As there was a warning, fishermen did not venture into the sea. It is assessed that a major disaster has been averted. Cyclones including Okhi occurred earlier after this phenomenon.

Sea whirl is an unusual eddy that occurs in connection with monsoons. It occurs in seas and large bodies of water. It is formed when rain clouds meet the sea. Then due to the force of the clouds, will lash the height of the waves. Due to the formation of low-lying clouds, when there is a sea whirl, the entire area becomes dark. Fishermen in southern Kerala call this phenomenon 'Athakadal Ettam'.