Rare Tornado Strikes Central China, Leaving 11 Dead

Sun Sep 06 2026 09:23:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A violent tornado swept through the cities of Ezhou and Huanggang, killing 11 people and causing extensive damage to buildings.

Central China’s Hubei province experienced a disastrous tornado that struck the cities of Ezhou and Huanggang, taking 11 lives and leaving thousands of buildings damaged. Local authorities reported over 300 injuries and launched emergency relief operations. The event is notable as tornadoes are uncommon in the region, with the last recorded incident in 2021. Residents, including students, witnessed the storm’s fury only after normal thunderclouds suddenly turned violent. The incident has brought crisis relief teams and emergency services to the area, as local infrastructure continues to recover.

Rare Tornado Strikes Central China, Leaving 11 Dead

At least 11 people died when a sudden, violent tornado swept through the cities of Ezhou and Huanggang in Hubei province. The storm formed from severe thunderstorms and was reported by state media as the most deadly weather event in the region in nine years.

Eyewitness footage, captured on smartphones in neighbouring towns, shows swirling debris and flying glass striking residential areas. A student from Huanggang university recalled the moment: "I thought it was just a thunderstorm, until I saw things start flying through the air outside the dormitory window," and added that he saw classmates cut by stepping glass.

In total, thousands of buildings were damaged and more than 300 residents were injured, according to local authorities. Rescue and relief teams have been deployed to help affected communities, while emergency services work to restore power and clean up destroyed homes.

The last tornado in the region was recorded in 2021, making this event an uncommon occurrence for the area. Meteorologists say such storms are more likely as climate patterns shift, increasing the risk of severe weather across mid‑China.

Residents and visitors can still view the video footage on the BBC platform, providing a crucial visual account of the disaster’s immediate impact.