A powerful tornado ripped through the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Saturday, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming the lives of at least five people. The bustling metropolis, with a population of 19 million, is the latest victim of extreme weather events plaguing the region.
State media reported that the tornado caused significant damage to 141 factory buildings, highlighting the city’s role as a manufacturing hub. While no residential homes were reported to have collapsed, the storm’s fury undoubtedly displaced residents and disrupted daily life. Authorities classified the tornado as level three on a five-point intensity scale, indicating significant damage potential.
This destructive event comes on the heels of days of relentless heavy rain that have unleashed devastating floods across southern China. The powerful storms have threatened the lives of tens of millions of residents, forcing mass evacuations as floodwaters rise and threaten homes and infrastructure.
Guangdong province, a crucial economic engine for China with a population of 127 million, has borne the brunt of the flooding. Local authorities reported the displacement of over 110,000 people as floodwaters ravaged the region. Earlier in the week, state media confirmed at least four fatalities attributed to the floods in Guangdong.
The relentless heavy rains began on April 16th, pounding the Pearl River Delta – a region known as China’s manufacturing heartland and one of its most densely populated areas. Four weather stations in Guangdong recorded record levels of rainfall for April, highlighting the exceptional intensity of the downpours.
Flooding is a recurring event in the Pearl River basin between April and September. However, recent years have witnessed a concerning trend of more intense storms and severe floods. Scientists warn that the climate crisis is a significant factor, amplifying extreme weather events making them more frequent and destructive.
While tornadoes are less common in China compared to the United States, they do occur. A scientific study published in 2015 revealed that China experiences an average of less than 100 tornadoes annually. Tragically, the study also found that over 1,772 people have lost their lives to tornadoes in China over the past 50 years (since 1961).
The China Meteorological Agency has issued a grim forecast, warning of continued heavy rain and powerful storms until the end of April. As rescue efforts continue to prioritize the safety of residents and address the aftermath of the tornado, the looming threat of further severe weather adds another layer of concern for the people of southern China.
The economic impact of these extreme weather events is likely to be substantial. The damage to factories in Guangzhou, a key manufacturing centre, could disrupt supply chains and production. Additionally, widespread flooding can damage agricultural land and infrastructure, impacting food security and transportation. The long-term costs of rebuilding and repairing damaged infrastructure will also be a significant burden. The Chinese government will face the challenge of balancing immediate rescue and recovery efforts with long-term mitigation strategies to address the growing threat of extreme weather events linked to climate change.
