at 12:12 PM by Pierce Larkin

China Tornado Kills Nearly 100 People

Tornado climatology across the worst. Eastern China isn't a stranger to tornadoes. h/t NOAA
Tornado climatology across the world. Eastern China tornadoes aren’t unusual. h/t NOAA

Yesterday, a very violent and deadly tornado struck the town of Yancheng, China, and has killed at least 98 people so far. The injury toll goes even further than that; an estimated 800 people have been injured by the tornado so far, and there are searches continuing for survivors after the storm struck.

As many know, China has one of the highest populations in the world, and many are packed into tight areas in eastern China. Much has been said about the infrastructure in China and whether or not it is safe, but it really isn’t safe to pack as many people into a small area of the world as China does in eastern China. This led to the disaster yesterday; well, that and poor information dissemination.

This formed in a very favorable environment for severe thunderstorms, as there was moisture convergence along a boundary set up close to the city. Additionally, the proximity to a boundary like that enhances shear as winds to the north of the boundary are different than those to the south of it. This tornado was very violent, and some of the damage is surprisingly high. Check out some of the images from the event. 

Keep these folks in your thoughts and prayers, as it is being called one of the worst tornadoes in 50 years in the country.