A tornado in eastern China has killed five people and seriously injured four in the latest extreme weather event to hit the country, state media said on Wednesday.
“A strong tornado struck Suqian in eastern Jiangsu province on Tuesday afternoon, causing loss of life and damage to property in some areas,” state television CCTV said.
More than 5,500 people were affected by this tornado and 137 houses collapsed, according to “initial statistics” cited in the report.
According to state media, more than 400 people were temporarily relocated.
Videos posted on social media by the People’s Daily showed strong winds blowing up debris over residential buildings and a street littered with signs and other items.
This summer, China experienced record rainfall and weeks of historic heat.
Scientists say these extreme weather events are being exacerbated by climate change.
In 2016, a storm with hurricane-force winds and the worst tornado in half a century leveled entire villages in Jiangsu province and killed at least 98 people.