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🇶🇦 Qatar /Disasters & Emergencies

Tornadoes Kill 17 in Central China as Typhoon Bavi Approaches

From Al Jazeera · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Tornadoes and storms in central China have killed at least 17 people, injured hundreds, and displaced tens of thousands.
  • Southern Guangxi province experienced severe rain and flooding from Typhoon Maysak, resulting in six deaths and 11 missing, with over 130,000 evacuated.
  • Central Hubei province reported 11 deaths and over 300 injuries from thunderstorms and winds, including an unusual tornado that damaged nearly 5,000 houses.

At least 17 people have died and hundreds have been injured as tornadoes and severe storms battered central China, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands. President Xi Jinping has called for an "all-out" rescue effort. In southern Guangxi province, Typhoon Maysak brought severe rain and flooding, killing at least six people and leaving 11 missing. Over 130,000 residents were evacuated as waterways overflowed and the region issued its highest-level red alert for flooding.

go all out

— Xi JinpingPresident Xi Jinping urged rescuers to organize emergency operations with maximum effort.

Central Hubei province was hit by thunderstorms and high winds, which killed 11 people and injured more than 300, with one person still missing. Nearly 5,000 houses were damaged, and 22 collapsed. An unusual tornado struck Huanggang city, damaging a logistics company and warehouse, and lifting trucks as high as 98 feet. One resident described the intense winds as "sucking out" his brother-in-law from his home.

Wall cabinets, sofas, coffee tables, dining tables and chairs vanished in an instant. It was as if the entire building had been hollowed out.

— WangA resident described the destructive power of the tornado that hit his neighborhood.

The deadly storms are occurring as China prepares for Super Typhoon Bavi, which is forecast to make landfall on the country's eastern coast by Thursday. Bavi has already caused power outages and damage on U.S. territorial islands, with winds reaching up to 180 mph on Rota.

sucked out

— WangA resident described how the intense winds of the tornado affected his brother-in-law's home.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Al Jazeera in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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