These images show a huge tornado twisting through a city’s streets, sending debris whirling high into the air.
The twister was filmed by stunned residents in the city of Los Angeles in the central Chilean region of Bio Bio and posted on social media where they have been widely circulated.
Video Credit: CEN
The tornado was part of a heavy storm with hailstones and strong winds that passed through the city.
On short clip shows debris flying in the air as an explosion takes place across the road, apparently from a collapsed utility pole.
Netizens also shared images of damaged buildings, overturned vehicles and felled lampposts.
According to local media, 16 people were injured as the tornado struck the city including a 17-year-old pregnant woman and a boy who were both hospitalised.
Meanwhile, over 11,000 residents were left without electricity and 22 homes were reportedly damaged.
Mayor of Los Angeles Esteban Krause told local media: “Things are very complicated as the tornado that hit the area affected numerous blocks, vehicles, buildings and power lines.
“It is a tough situation because we do not have electricity in the area and it is still raining a lot here.”
According to reports, it is hoped that the power will return to city homes in the next 24 hours.
Meanwhile, schools have been suspended until further notice.
A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that is in contact with the Earth’s surface and a cumulonimbus cloud or, in rare cases, the base of a cumulus cloud.
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.
Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
