A violent storm swept through east China's Jiangsu Province late Friday, April 30, 2021, claiming the lives of at least 11 people and leaving more than 100 injured. 9 people were missing as of Saturday, May 1.
The worst affected were the cities of Nantong (population of 8 million), Huaian, Taizhou, and Suqian.
Extremely strong winds of up to 165 km/h (102 mph) swept through the region destroying homes and cars, and downing trees and powerlines. The storm was accompanied by hail with a diameter of up to 3 cm (1.2 inches).
By 20:00 LT on May 1, the extreme weather has affected 13 688 people in several cities in Jiangsu, causing a direct economic loss of over 16.4 million yuan (2.5 million USD).
At least 1 700 ha (4 200 acres) of crops were damaged as well as 6 000 homes.
Extreme weather kills 11 in east China's Nantong
— CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) May 1, 2021
for more: https://t.co/IvnYpnxcFW pic.twitter.com/dIqJOqdsv8
Viral video shows an airplane allegedly swirling in the gale at airport in Nantong, east China's Jiangsu Province. Strong convective weather with a maximum wind speed of 93.9mph on Friday hit the province, leaving 11 dead, 102 injured in Nantong alone as of Sat morning. pic.twitter.com/6P3bogiiz9
— People's Daily, China (@PDChina) May 1, 2021
Videos of a large destructive #storm hit #Jiangsu Nantong in #China's east coast last night. Sustained #hurricane force winds over 75 mph were recorded with gusts well over 100 mph. According to local media, the storm has killed 11 people and caused multiple injuries. pic.twitter.com/0g8H4RxpqH
— Frontline (@Frontlinestory) May 1, 2021
According to local authorities, at least 11 people were killed and 102 injured -- either thrown into the Yangtze River or hit by falling trees, electricity poles, or debris.
Jiangsu party secretary Lou Qinjian said a fishing boat with 11 people on board capsized. Two of them were rescued, but 9 others remain missing.
More than 3 000 residents were evacuated.
The storm also affected nearby cities such as Shaoxing and Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province.
China's meteorological agency warned residents more extreme weather is expected in the days ahead.
Featured image credit: CCTV (stillshot)
