Extremely rare, large tornado hits southern Taiwan
A large tornado hit southern Taiwan around 07:00 UTC (15:00 LT) on July 1, 2019, injuring at least two people.
Several homes were destroyed and more than 7 000 customers left without power in two villages (Zhen'an in Linbian Township and Wanhua in Nanzhou Township – Pingtung County) after the tornado uprooted electric posts.
Preliminary damage assessments revealed that 11 houses have been damaged in Linbian Township and 20 in Nanzhou. No residents required emergency accommodation. Food, drinking water, and water for bathing are being provided by the local government.
A contingent of 50 troops from the army is expected to arrive in Linbian Township to help with cleanup operations tomorrow morning, while 30 troops have been assigned to Nanzhou Township.
According to Linbian Township chief Chen Chun-chi, big tornadoes are extremely rare in Taiwan, and people in the area had never seen a tornado as strong and powerful as this one.
The Central Weather Bureau confirmed the tornado in the vicinity of Linbian Township sometime between 14:30 and 15:00 LT, citing radar data.
Featured image credit: CNA
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