Deadly tornado strikes Chinese metropolis, causing havoc and destruction

On Saturday, a tornado hit Guangzhou, a city in southern China with a population of 19 million. According to Chinese state media, the tornado resulted in the deaths of at least five people and left 33 others injured.

The Xinhua news agency reported that although 141 factory buildings were damaged, no residential houses collapsed. The tornado was assessed to be of level-three intensity, just two levels below the highest level of five.

Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong province, is located approximately 80 miles (130 kilometers) away from Hong Kong.

According to Xinhua, a weather station in Liangtian Village, Baiyun District recorded a maximum wind gust of 20.6 meters per second, which is about 1.7 miles from the area affected by the tornado.

Search and rescue operations have concluded as of 10 p.m. local time.

The tornado comes after several days of intense rainfall in southern China, causing dangerous floods and putting the lives of millions of people at risk. Rescuers are working quickly to evacuate those who are stranded by the rising waters.

Guangdong province, with a population of 127 million, is a strong economic hub. According to state media, the region has been experiencing severe flooding, leading to the relocation of over 110,000 individuals as reported by the local government.

State media recently announced that at least four people have lost their lives due to the floods in Guangdong earlier this week.

A drone view shows roads submerged in floodwaters following heavy rainfall, in Qingyuan, Guangdong province, China on April 22, 2024.

A drone view shows roads submerged in floodwaters following heavy rainfall, in Qingyuan, Guangdong province, China on April 22, 2024.

Tingshu Wang/Reuters

Related article

Intense rainfall in southern China is causing massive floods, putting tens of millions of people at risk. The Pearl River Delta, which is a key manufacturing area and highly populated region, has been hit hard by continuous heavy rains since April 16. In fact, four weather stations in Guangdong have reported record-breaking rainfall for April.

The Pearl River basin experiences annual flooding from April to September. However, in recent years, the region has been hit by more intense rainstorms and severe floods. Scientists warn that the climate crisis will worsen extreme weather events, making them more deadly and frequent.

Although tornadoes are not as common in China as they are in the US, they still occur. According to a peer-reviewed scientific article from 2015, China typically sees fewer than 100 tornadoes per year. In the 50 years from 1961, at least 1,772 people in the country have lost their lives due to tornadoes.

The China Meteorological Agency is warning heavy rain and strong storms are likely to continue until the end of the month.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Editor's P/S:

The tornado that struck Guangzhou, a bustling metropolis in southern China, serves as a grim reminder of the devastating power of nature. While the loss of life is deeply saddening, it's heartening to know that search and rescue operations have concluded and the injured are receiving necessary medical attention. The resilience and dedication of those involved in the rescue efforts are truly commendable.

The article also sheds light on the broader issue of extreme weather events in China, particularly in the wake of intense rainfall and flooding in Guangdong province. The relocation of thousands of individuals and the tragic loss of lives underscore the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change. As scientists warn of worsening extreme weather events in the future, it is imperative for governments and communities to invest in mitigation and adaptation strategies to safeguard lives and livelihoods from these growing threats.