A tornado struck southern Guangzhou, China on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least five people and injuries to 33 others, as reported by CNN citing Chinese state media. Local authorities stated that the tornado damaged as many as 141 factory buildings, but no residential houses collapsed. The city, home to 19 million people, has experienced tornadoes at a level-three intensity, which is two levels below the highest level of five.

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CNN, citing Xinhua, reported that a weather station in Liangtian Village, Baiyun District, recorded a maximum wind gust of 20.6 meters per second, located about 1.7 miles from the tornado’s impact site. Search and rescue operations concluded as of 10 pm local time.

China Faces Disaster

Following the tornado, southern China experienced multiple days of heavy rains that caused deadly floods and posed a threat to the lives of tens of millions of people. Rescuers hurried to evacuate residents trapped by rising waters.

State media, citing the local government, reported that widespread flooding in Guangdong province, an economic powerhouse with a population of 127 million people, has led to the relocation of over 110,000 individuals.

State media reported earlier this week that floods in Guangdong had claimed the lives of at least four people.

CNN reported that since April 16, sustained torrential rains have been pounding the Pearl River Delta, China’s manufacturing heartland and one of the country’s most populated regions. Four weather stations in Guangdong have recorded record rainfall for April.

Scientists warn that the climate crisis will amplify extreme weather, making it deadlier and more frequent, particularly in regions like the Pearl River basin, which experiences annual flooding from April to September.

CNN reported that the China Meteorological Agency has warned of heavy rain and strong storms continuing until the end of the month.

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