Severe storms swept through several cities in eastern Hubei on Monday night, causing casualties. Rescue efforts are ongoing.
The provincial emergency management department said thunderstorms, strong winds and tornadoes affected Huangshi, Huanggang, Ezhou and Xianning cities between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Monday.
As of 1:47 a.m. Tuesday, the Hubei Meteorological Bureau kept 117 weather alerts active, including 23 red warnings.
The bureau urged residents to monitor rainfall and river conditions and take precautions against flooding and other emergencies.