China Hit by Extreme Weather: 20 Dead, 330 Injured

China is grappling with severe weather events that have claimed at least 20 lives and injured more than 330 people in the preceding 24 hours. Authorities reported that torrential rain, tornadoes, floods, and a landslide have impacted several provinces, prompting urgent rescue and relief efforts.

A devastating landslide in Gansu Province on Tuesday buried 33 individuals. Rescue teams successfully extracted 21 people, but tragically, five succumbed to their injuries despite medical attention. Search operations are actively continuing for the remaining 12 believed to be trapped under the debris.

In Hubei Province, a night of violent storms on Monday brought tornadoes, thunderstorms, and powerful winds. These extreme conditions resulted in 11 deaths and left one person missing. The severe weather also caused at least 331 injuries, necessitated the evacuation of over 400 residents, and led to the destruction of 22 buildings, with an additional 4,855 structures sustaining damage.

Meanwhile, record-breaking rainfall in Guangxi Autonomous Region triggered severe flooding. Four fatalities have been confirmed, and eight people remain missing due to the inundated areas. Over 93,300 individuals have been affected by the floods, and more than 54,000 residents have been evacuated. President Xi Jinping has called for all-out efforts in rescue operations, disaster relief, and ensuring the injured receive prompt treatment. He also urged for strengthened weather monitoring, early warning systems, and emergency preparedness to protect lives and property as extreme weather continues to pose a threat nationwide.