In brief
A violent tornado has struck the central Chinese province of Hubei, killing 11 and injuring more than 300. The storm, one of the rare tornadoes in the region since 2021, ripped through the cities of Ezhou and Huanggang, leaving thousands of structures devastated. Residents recount how falling glass shattered homes, and local authorities have launched rescue and relief efforts across the affected areas. Images and video from the incident highlight the sheer force of the storm and the urgency of cleanup operations. The event underscores the growing threat of extreme weather in Eastern China.
A severe tornado displaced and shattered life in Hubei province beginning the early morning of July 6. At least 11 people lost their lives and more than 300 were injured, according to local authorities, as the swirling winds tore through thousands of buildings.
Videos moved across social media showing the tornado’s path between the neighbouring cities of Ezhou and Huanggang. In one clip, a student outside a dormitory thundered “things started flying through the air” before glass shards landed on campus. He said, “A lot of students were cut by flying glass,” and that the panic only hit when the violent afternoon finally subsided.
Hubei’s last recorded tornado occurred in 2021, making the current event exceptionally rare for the region. The sudden and powerful storm ripped roofs off homes, toppled delivery trucks and left many residents with damage and trauma.
Local officials have launched extensive rescue and relief measures; emergency shelters have been set up for displaced families, and medical teams are treating injuries. The national government has pledged to support reconstruction and meteorological monitoring to mitigate future disasters.
The tornado exemplifies the increasing frequency of extreme weather patterns affecting eastern China, urging heightened preparedness. The BBC continues to monitor the situation and will update with further reports on the recovery and long-term implications for Hubei residents.
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