Tornado causes panic in north Cyprus village of Çayırova

A violent tornado* that occurred in Çayırova village today caused great panic and created difficulties for the local residents.

A citizen recorded those moments on video on his phone and shared it on social media.

*Tornadoes are relatively rare in North Cyprus, but they do occur occasionally, typically during the autumn and winter months when atmospheric conditions favour their formation. The island’s Mediterranean climate usually produces heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, particularly during these seasons, which can sometimes lead to the development of tornadoes. However, these tornadoes tend to be weaker and shorter-lived compared to those seen in tornado-prone regions like the United States.

North Cyprus has seen occasional reports of tornadoes or waterspouts (tornadoes over water) over the years, but they are not frequent events. When they do happen, they can cause localised damage, as seen in cases like the tornado in Çayırova. The geography and weather patterns of the region generally limit the occurrence of the more violent tornadoes common in other parts of the world. [Ed.]