98 Dead, 800 Injured as Tornado Rips Through Jiangsu

At least 98 people were killed and hundreds more injured after a tornado ripped through Yangcheng, Jiangsu province yesterday afternoon.

The tornado struck the city and surrounding area at around 2.30pm and was accompanied by hail, torrential downpour, lightning and winds of up to 125km per hour. Images circulating on social media showed extensive damage to buildings and vehicles strewn across the roads.

The death toll will likely continue to rise, with Sina currently reporting 846 injuries. Most of the victims were elderly residents in rural communities. Rescue efforts are currently underway, with operators working around the clock to treat the victims.

While tornadoes frequently hit the area, Sixth Tone reports that this is the strongest one seen in 50 years. 

[Images via Sina, Netease 1/2/3/4/5/6]