Eight people have died and one remains missing after tornadoes and rainstorms struck central China, particularly in Hubei province, while severe flooding affected southern Guangxi province. The storms have injured hundreds and forced tens of thousands to evacuate their homes.

Parts of Hubei were hit by strong winds and rain on Monday night, with the city of Huanggang reporting 173 injuries and 269 people evacuated to safe accommodations. Tornadoes, a rare event in the region, damaged rooftops, roads, trees, and farms. Videos on social media showed residents struggling against flying debris as the tornadoes swept through cities including Huangshi, Ezhou, and Xianning, where gales reached level 13 on the Beaufort scale.

In Guangxi, flooding caused by Typhoon Maysak led to at least six deaths and prompted the evacuation of tens of thousands. At least 40 rivers and waterways were reported overflowing, and authorities raised the flood control emergency response to the highest level after dams were breached.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged officials to "go all out" in rescue operations, emphasizing the need to mobilize resources for treating the injured, resettling affected residents, and carrying out effective disaster prevention and relief work, according to state media CCTV.

The provincial Department of Emergency Management reported that over 3,500 rescuers were deployed across Hubei to provide relief. State news agency Xinhua confirmed at least 11 deaths and more than 330 injuries in Hubei, with one person still missing. Regional officials stated that at least 130,000 people had been evacuated amid ongoing flood warnings.

Meteorologists have warned that China faces complex flood prevention challenges this year due to heavy rains, typhoons, and geological disasters.

Sources