A deadly tornado struck Guangzhou, China on Saturday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The tornado, with a maximum wind gust of 20.6 meters per second, killed at least five people and injured 33 others. Thankfully, despite damaging 141 factory buildings, no residential houses collapsed in the densely populated city of 19 million.
Search and rescue operations were swiftly launched and concluded by 10 p.m. local time, with efforts focused on aiding those affected by the sudden disaster. The tornado was preceded by heavy rains, which had already caused deadly floods in Guangdong province. Over 110,000 people were relocated as a result of the extreme weather conditions in the region.
The Pearl River Delta, where Guangzhou is located, has been facing record rainfall and flooding since April 16. Earlier in the week, at least four people lost their lives due to the severe weather. China typically experiences fewer than 100 tornadoes per year, but the country has seen 1,772 fatalities from tornadoes since 1961.
The China Meteorological Agency has issued warnings of continued heavy rain and strong storms until the end of the month. These adverse weather conditions could further exacerbate flooding and pose risks to residents in the affected areas. Authorities are urging people to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this challenging time. Stay tuned to Swerd Media for updates on the situation as it develops.
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