Life returning to normal after deadly Guangzhou tornado

In the aftermath of the deadly tornado that tore through Zhongluotan town in the Baiyun district of Guangdong's provincial capital, Guangzhou, on Saturday, a process of healing and restoration is underway. By Monday noon, a number of individuals with minor injuries had been discharged from hospitals following treatment.

Chen Weibin, vice-president of Baiyun District No 3 People's Hospital, said the injured sent to the hospital mainly suffered from spinal, pelvic and lower limb fractures and traumatic brain injuries, as well as common soft tissue contusions and lacerations.

A team of over 70 medical professionals, including surgeons and orthopedists, worked tirelessly to provide continuous care to those in need, Chen said.

One of the survivors, surnamed You, 59, shared his experience arriving at the hospital in pain and distress, only to receive timely and compassionate care from the medical staff. Thanks to their efforts, he is now on the road to recovery.

Liu Zhen'an, a surgeon from the hospital, said You's face was pale from shock when he was sent to the hospital, and there was a wound about 10 centimeters long on the left side of his face, and a wound about 12 centimeters long and 4 centimeters deep on his right elbow.

In the aftermath of the disaster, which killed five people and injured 33 others, authorities in Baiyun district are making efforts to help resume production and life.

The district government reported extensive damage to 141 houses, widespread power outages, and disruptions to daily life in the town. However, progress had been made in relocating more than 900 residents and restoring electricity to 17,000 households by Monday noon.

Four villages, which were hardest hit by the tornado, have reopened roads and restored communication infrastructure.

Guangdong's provincial meteorological bureau said on Sunday that it had organized a team of experts to conduct an on-site disaster investigation of the tornado's path, which was more than 1.7 kilometers long and had a maximum width of about 280 meters.

On Monday, the National Meteorological Center issued an orange alert for severe convective weather, the highest level in the three-tier warning system.

Parts of central and northern parts of Guangdong are expected to experience the strongest winds, with a potential risk of tornadoes.

Heavy rainfall is also expected to hit the region through Tuesday evening, with hourly precipitation ranging from 30 to 60 millimeters, and potentially surpassing 80 mm in some areas, the center said.

Li Menghan contributed to this story.