Tornadoes Kill 17 in Central China as Typhoon Bavi Threatens East Coast

At least 17 people have died and hundreds more were injured after powerful tornadoes and severe storms swept across central China, while authorities prepare for the arrival of Super Typhoon Bavi.

Chinese state media reported that 11 people were killed and more than 300 injured in central Hubei Province after violent thunderstorms and strong winds damaged nearly 5,000 homes and destroyed dozens of buildings. One person remains missing.

In southern Guangxi Province, heavy rainfall and flooding linked to Typhoon Maysak claimed six lives, forced the evacuation of more than 130,000 residents, and left 11 people unaccounted for. More than 40 rivers overflowed, prompting officials to issue the highest-level flood alert.

One of the strongest tornadoes struck Huanggang City in Hubei, where powerful winds overturned trucks, damaged warehouses, and caused widespread destruction. Rescue teams continued searching for missing residents as emergency crews cleared debris.

President Xi Jinping ordered an "all-out" rescue operation, urging authorities to prioritize saving lives, relocating affected residents, and preventing further casualties.

Meanwhile, Super Typhoon Bavi is moving toward China's eastern coastline after passing through the western Pacific. Forecasters expect the storm to make landfall by Thursday, bringing destructive winds, torrential rainfall, and an increased risk of flooding across eastern China.

Bavi has already caused extensive damage in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, leaving thousands without electricity and damaging homes, roads, and public infrastructure. Officials warned that recovery efforts could take several months.

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