A whirlwind referred to as a ‘dust devil’ surfaced at a school in Cagayan de Oro City.

Students and teachers of Bulua Central School were surprised upon witnessing the dust devil appear on the school’s open grounds.

In the video captured by the school’s security guard, the swirling column of air was visibly strong before it dissipated gradually.

The principal, Dr. Pedrita Jordan, said the dust devil lasted for more than a minute.

“Consider man nato nga sa pipila na ka adlaw nga walay ulan. Normally kay dili man cemented muabog gyud siya, so kana lang gyud ang nahitabo,” Jordan said.

After the incident, school officials checked the condition of the school buildings immediately and confirmed the whirlwind did not damage any structure.

No one was also reported hurt.

“All is safe tungod man gud kay ana nga mga oras ang mga bata tanan naa sila sulod sa classroom,” Jordan added.

State weather bureau PAGASA said a dust devil is formed when strong winds carry a huge amount of dust during hot weather.

“Naa’y surface heating o muinit pud ang hangin nga duol sa kayutaan dayun musaka dayun if naa’y hangin nga kalit labay diha nga area mao’y hinungdan sa iyang pagtuyok o pag-spin sa column of air. Sa iyang pagtuyok posible madala niya ang mga dust, abog o mga light debris,” PAGASA Mindanao Weather Specialist 1, Catherine Asunto, said.

PAGASA urged the public to stay cautious even if dust devils are typically short-lived.

“Kasagaran short lived lang hinuon na siya pero para sa atong safety mupalayo ta sa area o muadto sa safer area like balay o building,” Asunto added.