Typhoon Maysak Devastates China, Kills 17 as Floods and Tornadoes Displace Thousands

At least 17 people have been confirmed dead and more than 60,000 residents displaced after Typhoon Maysak unleashed devastating floods, powerful thunderstorms and tornadoes across parts of China, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.

The typhoon, which made landfall over the weekend, triggered severe flooding across the southern Guangxi region while also spawning tornadoes hundreds of kilometres away in Hubei province.

Authorities said over 90,000 people have been affected by the disaster, with thousands forced to flee their homes as rising floodwaters submerged communities and damaged critical infrastructure.

‎The city of Nanning and nearby villages were among the hardest hit after days of torrential rainfall caused rivers to burst their banks and sections of dam walls to fail.

Videos shared on social media showed residents trapped on rooftops awaiting rescue, while emergency responders used inflatable boats to evacuate stranded victims from flooded neighbourhoods.

‎Authorities warned that continued heavy rainfall could hamper ongoing rescue operations.

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‎President Xi Jinping ordered “all-out” rescue and relief efforts, directing authorities to prioritise treatment for the injured, resettle displaced residents and strengthen disaster response measures.

Maysak is the first typhoon to make landfall in China during the 2026 season.

Chinese state media described the storm as being characterised by its “sudden onset and intense, short-duration winds”.

‎The flooding has also raised concerns over public safety after snakes from breeding facilities in Hengzhou city were reportedly swept away by floodwaters, alongside wild snakes, with some entering residential areas.

Meanwhile, at least two tornadoes struck Hubei province after cold air from northern China collided with warm, moisture-laden air associated with Typhoon Maysak.

Videos shared on Chinese social media showed powerful winds tearing through the cities of Ezhou and Huanggang.Meteorologists said tornadoes are rare in the region, with the last recorded occurrence in 2021.

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‎China’s National Meteorological Centre said parts of Guangxi had received between 100 millimetres and 400 millimetres of rainfall since the weekend, while some locations recorded more than 900 millimetres.

‎The agency warned that heavy rainfall would persist across the region, with some train services already suspended for safety reasons.

The cable report that Super Typhoon Bavi, another storm, is forecast to approach China’s eastern coast later this week and could cause further disruption.

China experiences typhoons during the summer months, but climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, heightening the risks of flooding and associated disasters.‎