In general, true figures will likely be much higher as Chinese authorities tend to downplay the consequences of such events, including disasters and pandemics, over concern about stoking public criticism or dissent.

This latest tornado comes just months after one sliced through the southern city of Guangzhou in April, killing at least five people and injuring more than 30.

Extreme weather phenomena, including cyclones, tornados, heavy rains and heat waves have become more common around the world as a result of global warming.

China is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, which causes global warming, and the country experienced its warmest year since 1901. It also noted concerns over extreme weather as a result of climate change in an annual assessment.