September 12 at around noon, a striking water spout—locally known as a vòi rồng—was recorded over the sea off My Duc, Phù Mỹ Bắc commune, Gia Lai province. The phenomenon, captured on video by 34‑year‑old Huỳnh Đại, a resident of Quy Nhơn, shows a towering column of water drawn from the sea up to a dark cloud, accompanied by a white streak extending from the cloud to the water’s surface. The footage quickly spread on social media, garnering numerous likes and shares.
Nguyễn Đăng Hùng, director of the Gia Lai Meteorological and Hydrological Agency, identified the event as a rare, localized water spout that forms when strong convective clouds develop. He explained that the province has just entered the early rainy season after an extended period of intense heat. The rapid shift from hot, dry conditions to rainstorms creates atmospheric instability, fostering the growth of deep-rooted convective clouds that can produce thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning and water spouts.
According to Hùng, the risk of such hazardous weather increases during this transitional phase, and the intensity of a water spout depends on its size and wind strength. Powerful spouts may generate strong gusts capable of endangering boats and fishermen operating in the area. Authorities advise maritime workers and the public to monitor weather forecasts closely, evacuate any zone where a water spout or severe storm cloud is observed, and seek safe shelter without attempting to approach or film the phenomenon.