Deadly tornadoes kill 11 in central China as more extreme weather looms

Deadly tornadoes kill 11 in central China as more extreme weather looms
A tornado moves through an area amid lightning and strong winds, in Ezhou, Hubei province, China, 6 July, 2026
Reuters

At least 11 people have been killed after two tornadoes swept through central China's Hubei province, causing widespread damage as the country braces for more extreme weather in the coming days.

State media said winds of up to 149 kph (93 mph) overturned vehicles, tore roofs from buildings and damaged infrastructure across several cities on Monday evening. At least one person remains missing.

Tornadoes strike Hubei

According to Hubei's emergency management authorities, the tornadoes affected the cities of Huangshi, Huanggang, Ezhou and Xianning over a four-hour period.

Meteorological officials said tornadoes are extremely rare in Hubei, with the previous recorded event occurring in May 2021.

Television footage showed rescue teams working through debris, including heavily damaged vehicles and buildings stripped of their roofs by the powerful winds.

Heavy rain and flood warnings

China's National Meteorological Centre has warned that north-eastern Hubei could face further heavy to torrential rain.

Alerts have also been issued for Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, Jilin, Shandong and Liaoning, where authorities are monitoring the risk of flash floods, landslides and other severe weather.

Guangxi, which is still recovering from the impact of Typhoon Maysak, is forecast to receive up to 260 mm of rainfall within 24 hours.

Landslide rescue efforts continue

Separate rescue operations are under way in Gansu province after a landslide swept away 33 people in a mountainous area.

State media reported that 16 people remain missing as emergency teams continue search efforts.

President Xi Jinping has called for "all-out efforts" to rescue those affected by flooding and other weather-related disasters.

Taiwan prepares for Super Typhoon Bavi

Meanwhile, Taiwan is preparing for the arrival of Super Typhoon Bavi, which is expected to begin affecting the island from Friday.

Officials warned that some areas could receive more than one metre of rainfall, while nearly 29,000 military personnel have been placed on standby to assist with the emergency response.

Although forecasters expect Bavi to weaken slightly before reaching the region, it is still projected to remain a powerful typhoon as it approaches northern Taiwan before tracking towards China's eastern coast later in the weekend.

The storm previously brought winds of up to 289 kph (180 mph) as it passed through Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, highlighting the growing intensity of weather systems affecting the Asia-Pacific region.

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