BEIJING, July 7. /Dunyo IA/. Several regions across China are continuing to deal with the aftermath of severe weather, with thunderstorms killing eight people in Hubei province, at least 16 people remaining trapped after a landslide in Gansu province, and the highest-level flood alerts being issued in Guangxi and Guangdong provinces, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to China’s Xinhua news agency, powerful thunderstorms and strong winds struck the cities of Huangshi, Huanggang, Ezhou and Xianning on June 6 evening. Wind gusts reached 149 km/h in some areas, while tornadoes were reported in several towns and townships.

Three residential areas in Huangzhou district of Huanggang city were among the hardest hit. Eight people were killed and one person remains missing following the disaster. As of the morning of June 7, a total of 275 people had been injured, while 408 residents were evacuated to safer areas. Rescue operations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, search and rescue efforts are continuing in a mountainous area of western China’s Gansu province, where a landslide occurred. A total of 33 people were initially trapped under the debris. Rescuers have managed to save 17 people, while at least 16 others remain trapped. President Xi Jinping of China has instructed authorities to mobilize all necessary resources to carry out rescue operations and provide assistance to those affected.

The hydrological situation also remains critical in southern China. On Tuesday, authorities in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region raised the flood emergency response level to red, the highest level in the national warning system. A similar red alert was later issued in neighboring Guangdong province.

Forecasters warn that adverse weather conditions are expected to continue. Over the next 24 hours, heavy rainfall of up to 260 mm is expected in Guangxi, as well as in the eastern provinces of Jiangsu and Shandong, which could trigger further flooding and landslides. The risk of tornadoes also remains in northeastern and southern parts of the country.

In addition, China is preparing for the approaching super typhoon “Bavi,” which is moving across the Pacific Ocean toward Taiwan. According to the US National Weather Service, wind speeds within the typhoon system have reached up to 290 km/h. The storm has already affected the islands of Guam, Tinian, Saipan and Rota.

Photo credit: Xinhua