Two powerful tornadoes struck central China's Hubei province on the evening of July 6, 2026, killing at least 11 people, leaving one person missing and injuring more than 330 others.
The intense storms overturned vehicles, tore roofs off buildings and scattered debris across multiple cities in what has been described as a rare and destructive weather event.
A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm cloud to the ground, capable of causing severe damage along a narrow path.
In Hubei, wind speeds reached up to 149 kmph, comparable to the powerful gusts associated with severe cyclonic storms along India's coastline.
Videos shared by eyewitnesses showed violent winds sweeping through streets amid heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning.
RARE WEATHER EVENT HITS INDUSTRIAL HUB
Hubei province, a major manufacturing centre along the Yangtze River known for its automobile and technology industries, rarely experiences tornadoes.
According to Reuters, provincial meteorological expert Wang Xiaoling said such weather events are highly unusual in the region, with the previous recorded tornado occurring in May 2021.
Meteorologists attributed the outbreak to severe convective weather—a combination of unstable warm air, abundant moisture and shifting wind patterns that triggered intense thunderstorms. Experts believe broader climate trends and nearby typhoon activity may also have contributed to the conditions.
The tornadoes affected cities including Huangshi, Huanggang, Ezhou and Xianning between 4:30 pm and 8:30 pm IST.
The storms generated Level 13 gales on the Beaufort scale, bringing highly destructive winds that impacted dozens of townships. Nearly 4,800 houses were either damaged or destroyed, thousands of trees were uprooted, several vehicles were crushed, and approximately 14,600 people were directly affected.
RESCUE OPERATIONS CONTINUE
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for "all-out efforts" to support rescue and relief operations.
More than 3,000 emergency personnel worked overnight to evacuate residents, clear debris and restore essential services. Electricity has been restored to most affected areas, although authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage.
The tornadoes come as China grapples with multiple extreme weather events. A landslide in Gansu province has left several people missing, while Super Typhoon Bavi is approaching Taiwan and eastern China, raising concerns about further heavy rainfall.
Experts warn that climate change is contributing to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events across China, leading to greater economic losses from floods, heatwaves, storms and other natural disasters. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow official weather advisories.
