China battered by extreme weather: Floods, tornadoes & landslides kills over 20

At least 20 people were killed and more than 330 others injured in extreme weather-related incidents across China over the past 24 hours, authorities said on Tuesday as torrential rain, tornadoes, floods and a landslide struck several provinces.Chinese President Xi Jinping called for 'all-out' efforts to carry out emergency rescue operations, provide disaster relief and ensure treatment for the injured, according to state-run Xinhua.The deaths were reported across multiple regions, including Gansu, Hubei and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, as authorities continued search and rescue operations for people still missing.Landslide, tornadoes and floods leave trail of destructionIn north-west China's Gansu Province, a landslide struck a township on Tuesday, burying 33 people under debris.Rescue teams pulled out 21 people, but five later died despite medical treatment. Search operations are continuing for the remaining 12 people believed to be trapped.In eastern Hubei Province, tornadoes, thunderstorms and powerful winds swept through several communities on Monday night, killing 11 people and leaving one person missing.The severe weather injured at least 331 people, forced the evacuation of more than 400 residents, destroyed 22 buildings and damaged another 4,855 structures.Meanwhile, in Guangxi, record rainfall triggered severe flooding in parts of the region, killing four people and leaving eight others missing.Authorities said more than 93,300 people were affected by the floods, while over 54,000 residents were evacuated after torrential rain linked to Typhoon Maysak inundated several areas.Xi orders stronger disaster responseFollowing the widespread destruction, President Xi urged authorities to strengthen weather monitoring, early warning systems and emergency preparedness.He called for comprehensive rescue efforts and stressed the need to protect lives and property as extreme weather continued to affect several parts of the country.China has witnessed a series of severe weather events in recent months, with heavy rainfall, floods, landslides and storms affecting multiple provinces.Officials have warned that extreme rainfall and powerful storms have become more frequent, while scientists say climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of such extreme weather events worldwide.Rescue operations remain underway in the affected regions as authorities continue searching for those still missing and assisting displaced residents.Catch the latest world news and top headlines. Download the TOI App.