By D. Maan, Jadetimes News
Tornado Devastates Eastern China
A tornado tore through a town in eastern China, killing five people and injuring nearly 100, as reported by the state run Xinhua news agency. Dramatic videos on social media captured the tornado ripping roofs off houses, uprooting trees, and sending debris flying through the air. The Dongming County Emergency Management Bureau confirmed that the tornado was caused by severe convective weather and stated that a command center had been established to coordinate emergency response operations. The tornado damaged 2,820 homes in Caiyuan, Shandong province.
Emergency Response Efforts
Emergency services are currently engaged in post disaster disposal and on site clean up operations, as reported by the Bureau. Tornadoes, while less common in China compared to the US, are not unheard of. China experiences fewer than 100 tornadoes annually, with researchers noting that at least 1,772 people have died from tornadoes in the country over the past 50 years. In April, another tornado struck Guangzhou in the south, resulting in five deaths and 33 injuries, according to Chinese state media.
Rising Extreme Weather Incidents
The China Meteorological Administration recently released its annual 'Blue Book' on climate change, revealing that the country experienced its warmest year since 1901. The report highlighted an increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather and climate events. This trend includes the tornadoes, which, while infrequent, have had significant impacts when they occur.
Diverse Climate Challenges Across China
Different regions of China are simultaneously dealing with various extreme weather conditions. The north is facing severe drought and record temperatures, while the south is experiencing heavy rains and flooding. These contrasting weather events underscore the broader challenges posed by climate change across the country.
