8 dead, 1 missing after thunderstorms, gales hit central China's Hubei

WUHAN -- Eight people were killed and another remained missing after thunderstorms and gales brought by severe convective weather hit the eastern part of central China's Hubei province on Monday night, according to the province's emergency management authorities.

Between 7 pm and 11 pm on Monday, thunderstorms and strong winds hit Huangshi, Huanggang, Ezhou, and Xianning, with two townships seeing gales reaching level 13. Some areas saw tornadoes, according to the local authorities.

The rescue operations are underway, the authorities said.