Landslide buries 33 people, 16 remain trapped in Gansu, China as tornadoes, typhoons hit

In China's western Gansu province, a devastating landslide in Tanchang county has left 16 people buried and trapped in a mountainous village. Authorities reported that 33 individuals were initially caught in the slide, with 17 successfully rescued. Rescue operations are ongoing as local officials mobilize resources to reach those still missing.

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The mountainous region with steep valleys and crisscrossing rivers is prone to natural disasters including flash floods and landslides, especially during the rainy seasons.

The region is known for its susceptibility to natural disasters, particularly landslides and flash floods, which are exacerbated during the rainy seasons. Past events, such as the 2020 mudslides that killed at least five people and displaced over 72,000, and the catastrophic 2010 mudslide in nearby Zhouqu that claimed over 1,500 lives, underscore the area's vulnerability.

Adding to the country's severe weather woes, two tornadoes recently tore through central China's Hubei province. These powerful storms, with winds reaching up to 149 kph (92.58 mph), overturned cars, ripped roofs off buildings, and left a trail of destruction. State media reported at least eight fatalities, with one person still missing. Tornadoes are rare in Hubei, a significant industrial hub, with the last recorded event in May 2021.

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Tornadoes are extremely rare in Hubei, a major industrial, automotive manufacturing, and technology hub.

Experts attribute China's increasing exposure to extreme weather events, including torrential rain, heatwaves, and high winds, to climate change. These phenomena cause tens of billions of dollars in economic losses each year, disrupting industries and devastating agricultural output. The recent disasters highlight the growing challenge China faces in mitigating the impact of severe weather.

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China, the world's second-largest economy, is becoming increasingly exposed to extreme weather events that experts attribute to climate change. Torrential rain, scorching summer heat and gale-force winds cause tens of billions of dollars in economic losses annually, disrupting industry and destroying crops.