Story perspectives

China Hit by Tornadoes, Typhoon, Landslide; Xi Orders Rescue

7/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Two rare tornadoes in Hubei province produced 149 kph winds and extensive damage.
Storms across central and southern China killed 15, injured hundreds and forced tens of thousands to evacuate.
President Xi Jinping ordered a rescue effort, stressing treatment of the injured and resettlement of displaced residents.
Typhoon Maysak flooded Guangxi, killing four and evacuating 50,000, while a landslide in Gansu buried 33, rescuing 17 and leaving 16 missing.

History

Historical Context

In June-July 1998 the Yangtze River floods killed 3,704 people, left 15 million homeless and prompted massive upgrades to China’s flood-warning and dike systems. That experience shaped today’s response as President Xi Jinping mobilizes rescue teams for twin tornadoes in Hubei and Typhoon Maysak in Guangxi, echoing the 1998 disaster’s legacy.

1 of 2

Story summary

Two rare tornadoes in Hubei province produced 149 kph winds and extensive damage.
Storms across central and southern China killed 15, injured hundreds and forced tens of thousands to evacuate.
President Xi Jinping ordered a rescue effort, stressing treatment of the injured and resettlement of displaced residents.
Typhoon Maysak flooded Guangxi, killing four and evacuating 50,000, while a landslide in Gansu buried 33, rescuing 17 and leaving 16 missing.

1 / 2