Storms, floods and landslides kill 15 in China, hundreds missing

BEIJING: At least 15 people have been killed and hundreds remain missing after torrential rain triggered floods, landslides and severe storms across central and southern China, state media reported Tuesday.

Authorities said widespread flooding has forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents as emergency crews continue rescue operations in the affected areas.

According to state media, at least 275 people remain missing following weather-related incidents across the region.

In Hubei province, a powerful tornado with winds reaching 260 kilometers per hour (162 mph) struck residential areas, killing at least 11 people and injuring more than 331 others. The storm was so intense that it reportedly pulled one person from a 12th-floor apartment.

In the southern city of Nanning, heavy rainfall caused a large dam to breach, sending floodwaters into nearby communities. Officials said at least four people were killed and more than 62,000 residents were evacuated to safer areas.

Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered government agencies to accelerate search-and-rescue operations, provide immediate medical treatment to the injured and ensure assistance and rehabilitation for affected residents.

Emergency responders continued rescue efforts as authorities monitored weather conditions and warned of additional heavy rainfall in the coming days.