A tornado hit Guangzhou, a major city in southern China, on Saturday, resulting in five deaths and causing significant damage to more than 140 factory buildings, according to state media reports.
The China Meteorological Administration said the tornado struck around 3 p.m. in the Baiyun district of Guangzhou, a manufacturing hub located near Hong Kong. Videos shared online depicted a darkening afternoon sky filled with storm clouds, with debris swirling in the air due to the tornado’s force.
Authorities confirmed that, in addition to the five fatalities, 33 people were injured. A total of 141 factory buildings suffered damage, as reported by the official Xinhua News Agency.
Tornado warnings were issued for other areas in Guangzhou, and there were unconfirmed reports that a second tornado might have touched down in a different district later in the day.
Guangzhou, formerly known as Canton, recently hosted the Canton Fair, a significant export and import event attracting international buyers. Earlier this month, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen visited the city during her official trip to China.
This tornado follows a similar incident in September, when two tornadoes hit Jiangsu province in eastern China, resulting in 10 deaths.
