On the evening of 31 March 2019, a violent storm swept across villages in Bara and Parsa districts in southern Nepal. It was later identified as the country's first confirmed tornado. At least 28 people died and more than 1,100 were injured.
In short: The tornado formed near Chitwan National Park and cut a path about 30 km long and 200–250 m wide, destroying more than 1,000 houses. Scientists estimated it at EF2–EF3 strength from damage and eyewitness accounts.
Why it surprised everyone
Nepal had no tornado warning system and little record of such storms, and the event arrived without warning in the pre-monsoon season, when violent thunderstorms are common.