Around seven people were killed and 16 went missing in the Guangdong province of China after typhoon Mujigae and its associated tornadoes ravaged the region. This caused power outages, water and communication supplies to be cut.
According to authorities this typhoon was the strongest to strike mainland China in the last six decades. Mujigae struck on Sunday afternoon and generated at least three powerful tornadoes. The tornadoes were reported in Foshan’s Shunde district, Panyu district in Guangzhou, and Haifeng county in eastern Guangdong. Three people died in Shunde and three others in Panyu and more than 223 people were injured. A fisherman was confirmed dead and 16 were reported missing after the typhoon ripped through 35 boats near Zhanjiang coast. Transportation in Zhanjiang came to a standstill and the powerlines connecting to the Donghai Island were cut. Power and phone outages were experienced throughout western Guangdong.
Tornadoes which are rare in this region tore through homes and overturned vehicles. In Guangzhou, emergency power and water supplies were put in place after the tornadoes brought down powerlines and left thousands in the dark for the first time in 23 years. Many tourists visiting the famous 600 meter high Canton Tower had to be evacuated after the blackout. Air and rail services were suspended in the region. China Southern Airlines cancelled around 19 flights in the region which affected more than 500 passengers.
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