This is the dramatic moment fish farmers fled as a tornado tore through ponds in China.

Footage shows labourers running for safety as the violent wind vortex approached the fields in Wenchang, Hainan, on Tuesday, November 4.

Funnel-shaped columns can be seen swirling in the sky, sending debris and leaves whirling through the air at around 9 am local time.

Ten aquaculture pond aerators were reportedly damaged in the disaster.

Meteorological experts explained that Wenchang, located near 20 degrees north latitude, is an area with a high frequency of tornadoes in Hainan.

A tornado forms when warm, moist air meets cool, dry air during severe storms, creating a spinning funnel that becomes a tornado once it touches the ground.

Often associated with powerful storms such as supercells, tornadoes can cause extensive damage accompanied by heavy rain, strong winds, thunder, and lightning.