By Dominique Loh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 07 October 2007 1724 hrs
SINGAPORE: A waterspout has been spotted along the east coast of Singapore, according to calls to MediaCorp's Channel NewsAsia hotline.
A video sent in by a viewer shows a ship moving close to the waterspout.
Asif Nawaz said he shot the video from the 13th floor of his apartment.
He said he saw the waterspout moving slowly towards the shore and that the phenomenon lasted for 30 minutes.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said it did not received any reports of damage.
According to the National Environment Agency, waterspouts - also known as funnel clouds - happen during thunderstorms.
Low pressure causes water to be sucked rapidly into the clouds, resulting in what looks like a water funnel.
Although they may look menacing, experts say waterspouts in general are not dangerous because they dissipate as they come closer to the shore.
But they can cause considerable damage to small boats.
The last time a water spout was seen in Singapore was in June.
Channel NewsAsia also received some pictures from a viewer, with one of them showing the water column moving close to land.
If you've got similar pictures or videos, share them with us.
Simply MMS them to 65-9780-8282, or drop us an email at
yournews@channelnewsasia.com. - CNA/ir
