Typhoon Maysak devastates southern China
Typhoon Maysak, the first typhoon to make landfall in China during the 2026 season, has caused widespread destruction in southern and central regions. The Guangxi region received up to 280mm of rain in 12 hours, causing rivers to swell and dam walls to break. By Monday morning, flooding across Nanning and surrounding areas left many people stranded on rooftops.
Snakes add to flood dangers
Flood waters in China pose additional threats due to the presence of wild and farmed snakes. On Thursday, local media reported that hundreds of snakes, including cobras, had escaped from flooded breeding farms. This has heightened risks for rescue workers and residents.
Tornadoes and casualties
Typhoon Maysak also contributed to the development of two destructive tornadoes that swept across central China on Monday evening. The tornadoes formed when warm air from the south, brought by the typhoon, collided with cold air from the north. According to the official state news agency Xinhua, at least 11 people have died, 331 were injured, and more than 4,855 houses were damaged. This was the first recorded tornado in the central Hubei region since May 2021.
Heavy rainfall and building collapses in Mumbai
India also experienced heavy rainfall this week. Parts of Mumbai received over 300mm on Sunday, and a nearby site at Matheran recorded total rainfall of more than 850mm between Sunday and Wednesday. This four-day deluge led to building collapses in Mumbai's eastern suburbs, killing at least 13 people. A three-storey chawl collapsed, killing five young children and one woman, according to local authorities. The 300mm recorded in 24 hours accounts for nearly 50% of July's average monthly rainfall.
Winter storm hits Tristan da Cunha
Meanwhile, a notable winter storm struck the south Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha on Tuesday. Wind speeds of up to 124mph were recorded at the amateur weather station at the island's school. Roofs were ripped off several buildings, but no casualties were reported. Wind speeds are often enhanced by the 2,000-metre-tall volcano that forms the island, creating downslope winds—powerful gusts on the leeward side of mountains caused by descending air compression.
