At least eight people have been killed and 275 others injured after powerful thunderstorms and strong winds swept through central China, while severe flooding in the country’s south claimed two more lives and forced tens of thousands from their homes.

According to Channels Television, citing AFP, multiple areas of Hubei province were hit by severe convective weather on Monday. State broadcaster CCTV reported that the storms affected cities including Huangshi and Huanggang, where the fatalities occurred.

Authorities also confirmed that tornadoes struck some areas, with one person still missing.

State news agency Xinhua said all 275 injuries were recorded in Huanggang’s Huangzhou district as of Tuesday morning. Officials also evacuated 408 residents to safer locations as rescue and relief operations continued.

In southern China’s Guangxi region, heavy rainfall and flooding linked to Typhoon Maysak killed at least two people and prompted the evacuation of more than 48,000 residents by Monday evening.

Floodwaters overwhelmed parts of the regional capital, Nanning, prompting authorities to raise the flood control emergency response to its highest level after torrential rains breached dams.

Footage aired by CCTV showed a reservoir wall collapsing, sending a torrent of muddy water rushing downstream. Homes, vehicles and riverside areas were submerged, while rescue teams in life jackets and inflatable boats searched for stranded residents.

Scientists have warned that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events worldwide due to rising global temperatures driven by fossil fuel emissions.

China remains the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases but is also the leading investor in renewable energy, with a target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.