Tornadoes, hailstorms kill at least 78 people in China

(Baonghean.vn) - A major storm accompanied by tornadoes and hail on June 23 killed at least 78 people and injured 500 others in Jiangsu province, eastern China.

Scenes of devastation after a storm in Jiangsu province, China on June 23 left nearly 600 people dead or injured. Photo: China Daily.

The Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs said the storm hit around mid-afternoon on June 23 near Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province. Xinhua News Agency said the storm's average wind speed was around 125 km/h.

According to a witness shared on Xinhua News Agency, the storm passed through, causing many houses to be wiped out and felt like "the end of the world".

Of the 500 injured, 200 are in serious condition. Power and communications have been cut off in some areas hit by the storm.

China's Ministry of Civil Affairs said essential supplies, including 1,000 tents, have been delivered to the disaster site.

According to local news channels, in addition to human and property damage, many vehicles were overturned, trees were knocked down and power lines were severely damaged.

Severe weather conditions are common in China during the summer. Earlier this week, flooding in southern China left at least 22 people dead and 20 others missing./.

Thanh Hien

(According to Reuters)