Encounter with a squall

 

Squall. Defined as sudden, sharp increase in wind speed which is usually associated with active weather, such as rain showers, thunderstorms, or heavy snow by wikipedia.

According to the same online encyclopedia, in most parts of the Philippines, squalls are called subasko characterized by heavy rains driven by blustery winds. Local fishermen at sea are often on the lookout for signs of impending squalls on the open water and rush to shore at its early hints.

It was only recently that I was able to put a name to the weather phenomenon that I experienced in Palawan, specifically in Snake Island in Honda Bay, last 2008.

It was misty during the boat ride, but the sun eventually showed up when we arrived in the island. Then the strong wind came out of nowhere. It was so strong that it created a momentary sand storm. The particles of sand hit our bare skin like small prickly needles. The wave hitting the shore became rough. The boatmen ran to stop their boats from drifting to the sea. It lasted for about 5 minutes and suddenly stopped. And the sea was perfectly calm again. We were stunned, while the rest went about their business as if nothing happened.

I wasn't able to take a picture nor record it in video as I was busy getting worried if we would ever go home safely or escape it at all.