China Storms, Floods Kill at Least 10; Thousands Evacuated

Central China was battered by thunderstorms and strong winds, resulting in the deaths of at least eight people, state media reported Tuesday. Heavy rains and flooding in the country's southern region claimed two additional lives.

Multiple areas in eastern Hubei province experienced "severe convective weather" on Monday. Thunderstorms and strong winds swept through cities like Huangshi and Huanggang, causing fatalities that evening. Tornadoes were also reported in some locations, and one person remains missing. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, with rescue operations underway.

In the southern Guangxi region, heavy rainfall and severe flooding associated with Typhoon Maysak led to at least two deaths. Authorities evacuated approximately 48,000 people by Monday evening. Nanning, the capital of Guangxi, raised its flood control emergency response to the highest level after dams were breached by the torrential rain.

Scientists warn that the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events globally are increasing due to climate change driven by fossil fuel emissions. China, the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, is also a leader in renewable energy and aims for carbon neutrality by 2060.