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China’s deadly July storms cause floods, tornadoes and a landslide
Heavy summer rains swept central and southern China in early July, triggering deadly floods, tornadoes and a landslide. In Hubei Province tornado‑strength winds killed at least 17 people, injured more than 300 and flattened dozens of homes. Severe flooding in Guangxi and other provinces left at least 20 dead, four missing and hundreds injured, affecting over 93 300 people and prompting the evacuation of more than 54 000 residents. A landslide in Gansu’s Tanchang County buried 33 people; 18 were rescued while 15 remain missing or dead. President Xi Jinping ordered an “all‑out” rescue effort and stressed stronger early‑warning and disaster‑prevention measures. The storms followed Typhoon Maysak and came as Super‑Typhoon Bavi moved toward Taiwan and China’s east coast, also stirring a snake‑farm escape in Hengzhou.
The National Meteorological Centre warned of further torrential rain and potential landslides across several provinces, while authorities continue rescue and relief operations.