A devastating tornado swept through the southern Chinese economic hub of Guangzhou on Saturday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The powerful tornado killed five people and injured 33 others as it tore through the Baiyun district, damaging scores of factory buildings and causing chaos in the city’s northern suburbs.
Videos shared by Chinese official media captured the terrifying scene as transmission towers and power lines ignited, and debris swirled in the air against a backdrop of a giant funnel cloud that darkened the midafternoon sky. Hailstones, some as large as 2 inches in diameter, also pelted parts of the city, adding to the chaos and destruction.
Guangzhou, a bustling city of 19 million people known for its manufacturing and technology industries, has been grappling with heavy spring downpours and flooding in recent weeks. The tornado, which lasted about four minutes, was the latest in a series of natural disasters to hit the region.
Authorities reported that a total of 141 factory buildings were damaged by the tornado and subsequent rains, with wind speeds reaching up to 46 miles per hour. Search and rescue efforts were quickly launched, and by Saturday evening, state media reported that the operation had been concluded.
Despite the conclusion of the search and rescue work, officials warned that torrential rains, heavy winds, and lightning were expected to continue in Guangzhou in the coming days. As China prepares for a five-day Labor Day holiday, residents were advised to stay indoors during severe weather and to take precautions if they must go outside, such as wearing helmets.
Guangzhou has a long history of flooding, with the low-lying city often facing inundations during the annual arrival of heavy rainstorms in late spring. In recent years, the city has implemented measures to improve its resilience to flooding, such as requiring new apartment buildings to have shops on the ground floor instead of residences to minimize the risk to human life during floods.
The tornado in Guangzhou comes at a time when the city has been in the spotlight for hosting major events, including the recent Canton Fair, a significant trade exhibition. The visit of U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen earlier this month highlighted the city’s importance as a global economic hub.
As Guangzhou continues to recover from the devastation caused by the tornado, residents and officials are bracing for more severe weather in the days ahead. The city’s resilience will be put to the test as it works to rebuild and recover from the natural disaster.
