Typhoon Maysak has caused widespread flooding and rare tornadoes across China, resulting in at least 15 deaths and the displacement of tens of thousands of people. The southern province of Guangxi experienced rapid, severe flooding that submerged entire floors of homes, while the central province of Hubei was struck by thunderstorms and tornadoes.
In Renhe village, Guangxi, the water rose so quickly that residents were unable to evacuate with food or belongings. By Monday morning, floodwaters had reached knee-deep, and later submerged the first floors of houses. "The floods happened so rapidly, the water just came so fast. The villagers didn't have time to take food with them when they were running away," a resident named Zhou told the BBC.
The typhoon inundated the city of Nanning and surrounding villages, with some residents needing rescue from rooftops. The flooding overwhelmed riverbanks and damaged dam walls. Authorities in Nanning have warned that extremely heavy rain may impede ongoing rescue efforts.
Maya-Tiong, a typhoon that causes widespread flooding, is common in China at this time of year and Maysak is the first to make landfall in the country for the 2026 season. State media described the storm as characterized by "its sudden onset and intense, short-duration winds."
Meanwhile, the central province of Hubei, hundreds of kilometers away, experienced unexpected thunderstorms and tornadoes. These severe weather events have led to 11 deaths and damaged thousands of homes in the region.
In response to the extensive damage, President Xi Jinping has ordered "all out" rescue and relief operations to address the aftermath of the extreme weather. Another storm, Super Typhoon Bavi, is currently moving across the Pacific and is forecast to reach China's eastern coast later this week. Maya-Tiong-triggered floods have also displaced tens of thousands of people in Guangxi. Residents have reported difficulties in obtaining food and assistance for stranded family members.