PATTAYA, Thailand – A series of severe weather events across China, including rare tornadoes, landslides and heavy flooding, has raised concerns across the region as countries including Thailand continue to face an active monsoon season. Two tornadoes struck central China’s Hubei province, killing at least 11 people and leaving one person missing after powerful winds overturned vehicles, damaged homes and tore through buildings across several cities.
According to Chinese authorities, violent winds affected Huangshi, Huanggang, Ezhou and Xianning for more than four hours. Meteorological experts said tornadoes are extremely rare in Hubei, a major industrial, automotive and technology hub, with the last similar event occurring in May 2021.
China’s National Meteorological Centre has issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall in several regions, including parts of Hubei, Guangdong, Hainan, Jilin, Shandong and Liaoning. Guangxi, which was recently hit by Typhoon Maysak, is also facing renewed risks of flooding and landslides.
Meanwhile, rescue operations following a landslide in Tanchang County, Gansu province, have confirmed at least 21 deaths after 33 people were trapped. Most victims were local residents working as temporary laborers at a state forestry farm.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged authorities to make every effort to assist those affected by floods, landslides and other disasters. The region is also preparing for Super Typhoon Bavi, which is moving across the Pacific Ocean towards Taiwan before potentially affecting China’s eastern coast later this week. Taiwan has prepared nearly 29,000 military personnel for emergency response as officials warn of possible extreme rainfall.
In Thailand, the Meteorological Department continues to monitor weather systems affecting the country during the annual rainy season, with heavy rain warnings issued periodically for several provinces. Authorities have urged communities in flood-prone areas to remain alert as tropical weather systems can bring sudden downpours, flash floods and rough seas. Pattaya and Chonburi, popular coastal tourism destinations, have also been closely watching weather conditions as heavy rainfall can quickly affect low-lying areas, drainage systems and beach conditions. Local authorities have continued preparations to manage flooding risks during periods of intense rain, particularly in areas with previous drainage challenges.
Tourism operators in Pattaya are also monitoring weather developments as storms and rough seas can affect marine activities, island trips and visitor plans during the low-season period. While China faces a wave of extreme weather events, Thai officials are reminding residents and visitors that continued awareness and preparedness remain essential throughout the monsoon months. (TNA)
