Citizens travel in the rain in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province on April 2, 2024. Photo: VCG

A wind and hail disaster has claimed seven lives in Jiangxi Province, leading to 1,593 people being evacuated to emergency shelter, and 1,367 people being relocated. The direct economic loss is estimated at 400 million yuan ($55.3 million), with the impact of disaster still being further assessed .

The extreme weather, which first began on Sunday has affected 11 prefecture-level cities such as Nanchang and Jiujiang, with a total of 313,000 people affected. It has caused damage to 22,700 hectares of crops, with 668.9 hectares completely destroyed, media reported, citing local authorities. 

It is reported that 14 households covering a total of 48 rooms have collapsed, and 115 households including 263 rooms were severely damaged. The direct economic loss is estimated at 400 million yuan, and the disaster situation is still being further assessed and verified.

The Jiangxi Provincial Meteorological Observatory forecast that from Thursday to Sunday that a rain belt will continue to impact the southern part of Jiangxi Province, with some areas still experiencing heavy rain. 

The government vowed to strengthen defenses against heavy rain and any secondary disasters it may cause; strengthen defense against strong weather such as strong winds, hail, and lightning; enhance safety management for outdoor activities and tourism transportation.

On Tuesday, the capital city of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, faced severe weather conditions and a red alert for strong winds and hail was issued. It is the first time since 2011 that two red alerts have been issued within an hour on the same day.

Neighboring provinces, including Hubei, have also issued strong wind and rainfall alerts.

Global Times