Post by : Badri Ariffin

At least 11 people lost their lives after two rare tornadoes swept across central China's Hubei province on Monday evening, bringing destructive winds of up to 149 kph (93 mph). The storms overturned vehicles, tore roofs from buildings, and caused extensive damage across several cities, according to state media.

The tornadoes struck over a period of more than four hours, affecting the cities of Huangshi, Huanggang, Ezhou, and Xianning. Authorities also confirmed that one person remained missing as rescue operations continued.

Strong Winds Hit Several Cities

China's Xinhua News Agency, citing Hubei's emergency management authorities, reported that gale-force winds reached level 13 on the extended Beaufort wind force scale during the severe weather event.

Emergency teams were deployed across the affected areas to search for survivors, clear debris, and assist residents impacted by the storms.

Rare Tornadoes in Hubei Province

Meteorological experts described the tornadoes as highly unusual for Hubei province, which is one of China's major industrial, automotive manufacturing, and technology centers.

According to Wang Xiaoling, an expert with the provincial meteorological bureau, tornadoes are extremely rare in the province. The previous recorded tornado in Hubei occurred in May 2021.

Rescue Operations Underway

Footage released by state broadcaster CCTV showed rescue workers inspecting heavily damaged vehicles and buildings.

One video showed a truck cab badly damaged after pieces of corrugated steel from a nearby roof struck it. Another clip showed a white car thrown against a lamp post, surrounded by twisted metal sheets scattered by the powerful winds.

Emergency personnel continued rescue and recovery work in the affected areas.

More Heavy Rain Forecast Across China

China's National Meteorological Centre warned that northeastern Hubei could experience further heavy to torrential rainfall on Tuesday.

Heavy rain was also forecast for parts of Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, Jilin, Shandong, Liaoning, and several other regions.

The Guangxi region, which is still recovering from Typhoon Maysak that killed at least six people and left 11 others missing in recent days, was warned to prepare for rainfall of up to 260 mm (10 inches) within the next 24 hours. Authorities said such rainfall could trigger landslides.

Landslide in Gansu Leaves People Missing

Separate from the tornado disaster, state media reported that two people remained missing after a landslide struck a mountainous county in western China's Gansu province.

The landslide swept away 33 people during the early hours of the morning, prompting ongoing rescue efforts.

President Xi Calls for Full Rescue Efforts

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for "all-out efforts" to rescue people affected by the floods, according to CCTV.

Authorities across several provinces continue to respond to severe weather as multiple regions face heavy rain, flooding, and storm-related emergencies.

Super Typhoon Bavi Approaches Taiwan and China

China is also preparing for Super Typhoon Bavi, which is moving across the Pacific toward Taiwan and is expected to make landfall along China's eastern coast over the weekend.

Taiwan's Cabinet Secretary-General Xavier Chang said the typhoon could bring more than one metre (3.3 feet) of rainfall to parts of the island. Nearly 29,000 military personnel have been placed on standby to assist with relief operations if required.

Taiwan's weather administration said Bavi is expected to weaken slightly before reaching northern Taiwan. However, it is still forecast to remain a large and powerful storm, ranging from the lower end of a strong typhoon to the upper end of a moderate typhoon.

Earlier, the storm recorded winds of up to 289 kph (180 mph) as it moved across Guam, Tinian, Saipan, and Rota on Monday.

#Global News #China #Global Updates #World News