A devastating tornado wreaked havoc in Guangzhou, southern China on April 27, killing at least five individuals and leaving 33 others wounded, according to reports from Chinese state media.
The tornado’s intensity was initially classified as level three, falling two levels short of the highest category on the scale, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Situated approximately 80 miles (130 kilometers) from Hong Kong, Guangzhou serves as the capital city of Guangdong province, a bustling economic hub with a population of 127 million.
The tornado’s impact was felt in Liangtian Village, Baiyun District, where a weather station recorded a peak wind gust of 20.6 meters per second.
Authorities disclosed that 141 factory buildings suffered damage due to the fierce winds, although no residential structures collapsed during the calamity
Search and rescue operations persisted until 10 p.m. local time, striving to locate survivors and provide assistance to those affected by the disaster. The aftermath of the tornado revealed scenes of destruction, with damaged buildings and infrastructure strewn across the region.
The tornado struck amidst a backdrop of relentless rainfall that has besieged southern China in recent days, triggering deadly floods and displacing tens of thousands of residents.
Guangdong province, in particular, has borne the brunt of the flooding, with over 110,000 individuals forced to evacuate due to rising waters.
Reports indicate that the Pearl River Delta, a vital manufacturing hub and densely populated area, has experienced record-breaking rainfall since mid-April.
The persistent downpours have raised concerns about the region’s susceptibility to flooding, exacerbating the challenges faced by local authorities in mitigating the crisis.
The recurrence of severe weather events in China has raised alarm bells among experts, who attribute the phenomena to the escalating climate crisis. While tornadoes are relatively rare in China compared to the United States, they pose a significant threat to lives and property when they do occur.
According to a scientific study published in 2015, China witnesses fewer than 100 tornadoes annually, with fatalities recorded over the past five decades.
The China Meteorological Agency issued warnings of continued heavy rain and storms until the end of the month, underscoring the urgent need for preparedness and resilience measures in the face of escalating weather-related disasters.
Key takeaways
- Tornado strikes Guangzhou, China on April 27, killing at least five and injuring 33.
- Tornado initially categorized as level three intensity, hitting Liangtian Village with 20.6 m/s wind gust.
- 141 factory buildings damaged, no residential collapses reported.
- Search and rescue operations continue until 10 p.m. local time.
- Southern China faces relentless rainfall, flooding displacing over 110,000 in Guangdong province.
- Pearl River Delta experiences record-breaking rainfall, raising flood concerns.
- China Meteorological Agency issues warnings of continued heavy rain and storms.