**Tornadoes Claim 17 Lives in Central China Amidst Typhoon Bavi Threat**
Central China has been struck by a series of devastating tornadoes and storms, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 individuals and leaving hundreds injured. The severe weather has also forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate their homes, prompting President Xi Jinping to call for comprehensive rescue efforts, as reported by state media.
The most affected areas include the central province of Hubei, where thunderstorms and strong winds have wreaked havoc. According to the state news agency Xinhua, at least 11 people lost their lives, and over 300 were injured. The storms caused significant damage to infrastructure, with nearly 5,000 houses reported damaged and 22 completely collapsed. One particularly unusual tornado struck the city of Huanggang, impacting a logistics company and a warehouse, and lifting multiple trucks as high as 30 meters (approximately 98 feet).
Eyewitness accounts describe the chaos and destruction. A local resident, identified only as Wang, recounted how the intense winds "sucked out" his brother-in-law from their home, who was later found unconscious outside. Wang described the scene inside their apartment, stating that furniture and belongings "vanished in an instant," likening the destruction to an entire building being "hollowed out."
In the southern Guangxi region, the situation has been equally dire. Severe rainfall and flooding, exacerbated by Typhoon Maysak, have led to the deaths of at least six people. Regional officials reported that approximately 130,000 individuals have been evacuated due to the flooding, with 11 people still unaccounted for. State media footage captured harrowing rescue operations, showing emergency workers in life vests searching for the missing in inflatable boats amidst piles of debris.
CCTV reported that at least 40 rivers and waterways in Guangxi have overflowed, prompting authorities to issue the highest-level red alert for flooding. Rescue operations are ongoing, with President Xi emphasizing the need for an "all-out" effort to assist those affected by the calamities.
As China grapples with the aftermath of these storms, it is also preparing for the impending arrival of Super Typhoon Bavi. The typhoon made landfall on U.S. territorial islands earlier this week and is currently moving northwest. The U.S. National Weather Service reported that Bavi is packing sustained winds of around 150 mph (241 km/h) and is expected to intensify overnight.
Forecasts indicate that Bavi will make landfall on China's eastern coast by Thursday, bringing with it heavy winds and rainfall. The typhoon has already caused significant disruption in Guam and the Northern Marianas, leaving thousands without power. The island of Rota has reported severe damage, with winds reaching up to 180 mph (290 km/h) on Monday, leading to downed trees and power lines, as well as disrupted water supplies. Rota's Mayor Aubry Hocog noted that over 50% of the island has suffered damage, and it may take two to three months to restore full power.
As the nation faces these dual challenges of tornadoes and an approaching typhoon, the focus remains on rescue and recovery efforts to support those affected by the severe weather.