Deadly Storms Batter Central and Southern China
At least 47 people have died and dozens remain missing after severe storms swept through central and southern China, triggering landslides and tornadoes. President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out rescue efforts, state media reported on Tuesday.
The storms, which began over the weekend, have affected millions across multiple provinces. In Henan province, the worst-hit region, at least 28 people died and 12 are missing after torrential rains caused widespread flooding and landslides. In neighboring Anhui, 14 people were killed by a tornado that tore through several villages.
Xi Jinping Demands Maximum Effort to Save Lives
President Xi Jinping issued an urgent directive on Monday, calling for "all-out efforts to search for missing persons and minimize casualties." He urged local authorities to provide emergency relief and support to affected communities. The National Meteorological Center has maintained a red alert for severe weather, warning of more heavy rain and storms in the coming days.
According to the Ministry of Emergency Management, over 100,000 people have been evacuated, and more than 5,000 rescue workers, including military personnel, have been deployed. The ministry reported that at least 2,000 houses have collapsed, and thousands of acres of farmland have been damaged.
Rescue Operations Underway Amid Widespread Destruction
Rescue teams are racing against time to reach isolated villages, with some areas still cut off by landslides and flooded roads. In Yunnan province, a landslide buried several homes, killing at least five people. In Jiangxi, a tornado damaged hundreds of buildings and knocked out power lines, affecting over 50,000 residents.
"The situation is dire," said Li Guohua, a disaster relief official in Henan. "We are doing everything we can to get supplies to the hardest-hit areas and ensure the safety of residents."
Weather Warnings Extended as More Rain Forecast
The China Meteorological Administration warned that heavy rain would continue in the affected regions, raising the risk of further flooding and landslides. The death toll is expected to rise as search operations continue. The storms have also disrupted transportation, with several highways and railway lines closed.
The severe weather comes as China faces an unusually active summer storm season, which experts attribute to climate change. The government has pledged to strengthen disaster prevention and response mechanisms.
