Beijing (AP) — A devastating weather event struck central China on Monday night, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 individuals and injuring over 330 others. The tornadoes and severe storms primarily affected the eastern Hubei province, prompting widespread destruction and chaos.
According to the official state news agency Xinhua, the storms have impacted approximately 14,600 residents in the region. Reports indicate that more than 20 houses have completely collapsed, while thousands more have sustained damage, leaving many families in dire situations.
The storms produced a rare EF2 tornado that swept through the city of Huanggang, damaging several buildings, including a logistics company and a warehouse. Eyewitness accounts describe harrowing scenes as the tornado tore through neighborhoods, leading to rapid evacuations and emergency responses.
Officials have confirmed that one person remains missing, adding to the urgency of rescue efforts. Local authorities are working around the clock to assess the damage and provide assistance to those affected, including temporary shelters for displaced families.
Given the scale of the destruction, the government has mobilized resources to aid recovery efforts. Emergency response teams are conducting search and rescue operations, while medical facilities are treating the injured. Many residents are left to cope with the aftermath, grappling with loss and uncertainty.
The recent storms highlight the increasing severity of weather patterns in the region, raising concerns among meteorologists and disaster management experts. As the recovery efforts continue, local officials are urging the public to stay vigilant and prepared for potential future weather events.