A video that claimed to show worms raining from the sky in China has gone viral on social media, sparking curiosity and horror among netizens. The clip, which was reportedly filmed in the province of Liaoning, showed small, worm-like creatures or objects scattered on the surface of cars and roads. Some residents were seen using umbrellas to protect themselves from the bizarre phenomenon.

However, is it really true that it was raining worms in China? Or is there a more plausible explanation for what was seen in the video? Here are some facts to clear up the confusion.

It’s Not Worms, It’s Catkins

According to several sources, the worm-like objects in the video were actually catkins, or inflorescence, of poplar trees. Catkins are clusters of flowers that hang from the branches of some trees, such as poplars, willows, and birches. They are usually fuzzy and cylindrical in shape and can resemble worms from a distance.

Catkins are produced by poplar trees in spring and can be dispersed by wind or animals. They can also accumulate on the ground or on other surfaces, especially after rain or snow. This is what happened in Liaoning, where poplar trees are widely planted along roads and in parks.

Poplar catkins are not harmful to humans or animals, but they can cause allergic reactions or respiratory problems for some people. They can also be a nuisance for drivers and pedestrians, as they can stick to cars or clothes.

It’s Not the First Time This Has Happened

The video of raining worms in China is not the first of its kind. Similar videos have been shared online in previous years, showing catkins falling from the sky or covering the ground in different parts of China. In 2019, a video from Beijing showed catkins flying in the air like snowflakes. In 2018, a video from Shenyang showed catkins piled up on the streets like snowdrifts.

Catkins are not only found in China, but also in other countries where poplar trees grow. In 2017, a video from Turkey showed catkins covering a lake like a carpet. In 2016, a video from Canada showed catkins swirling in the wind like a tornado.

It’s Not Raining Animals, But It Can Happen

While the video of raining worms in China was debunked as catkins, there have been some rare cases of animals falling from the sky around the world. This phenomenon is usually caused by strong winds or storms that pick-up animals from water bodies or land and carry them to another location. Some examples of animals that have rained from the sky include fish, frogs, birds, snakes, spiders, and even alligators.

One of the most recent cases of raining animals happened in 2020, when thousands of dead birds fell from the sky in New Mexico, USA. The cause of this mass die-off was unclear, but some experts suggested that it could be related to wildfires, drought, or climate change.

Conclusion

The viral video of raining worms in China was not what it seemed. It was actually catkins of poplar trees that were blown by the wind or washed by the rain onto cars and roads. Catkins are harmless plant parts that look like worms from afar. They are common in spring and can be seen in many places where poplar trees grow. Raining animals is a rare phenomenon that can happen due to extreme weather events or other factors. It has nothing to do with catkins or worms.