Two tornadoes strike China, killing at least 12

BEIJING: Two tornadoes that struck central and eastern China killed at least 12 people and injured more than 400, authorities said on Saturday.

Violent winds of more than 260-km blasted the central city of Wuhan on Friday night.

Eight people died and more than 280 were injured there, authorities said, adding that around 30 homes had collapsed.

Vehicles were crushed by falling objects, trees uprooted, buildings partially destroyed and electricity pylons felled, leaving more than 26,000 homes without power. The gale damaged two construction cranes, one of which toppled onto the site below, causing significant damage.

In Suzhou, near Shanghai, another tornado with winds of more than 200-km per hour wreaked havoc.

Four people were killed and one remains missing, according to local authorities. Images shared on social media showed a black whirlwind which left a trail of destruction.