AMAZONAS, BRAZIL - A dust whirlwind formed on Sunday afternoon (16) at Porto do Pucu in Barreirinha, a municipality in the interior of Amazonas. The phenomenon drew attention due to how quickly it developed and was observed by several people at the scene.

Witnesses reported that the vortex appeared suddenly, moved toward the riverbank, and dissipated just moments later. Despite the scare, the winds were weak, lifting only dust and light debris.

According to José Augusto Veiga, a professor in the Meteorology program at the State University of Amazonas (UEA), the phenomenon is known in the area as a Dust Devil. It occurs on hot days with light winds, when air near the surface heats rapidly and begins to rise while rotating.

“It is a microscale phenomenon that lasts only a few seconds and has a small diameter, usually between 1 and 10 meters. It does not cause significant structural damage, unlike tornadoes,” he explained.

Veiga added that Dust Devils can occur in any city and are not exclusive to Amazonas. They are common in regions with intense heat and dry soil, but are always short-lived and low-intensity.

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