A powerful tornado tore through central China's Hubei province on July 6, killing at least 11 people and injuring more than 330. The storm ripped roofs from buildings, uprooted trees, overturned vehicles, and left thousands of homes damaged.
In one of the most dramatic incidents, a 30-year-old man was blown from the balcony of his 12th-floor apartment in Huanggang, along with several of his belongings, including a sofa and cabinets, after powerful winds shattered his windows.. He survived but remains in intensive care with serious injuries.
Emergency crews continue rescue and recovery operations as authorities assess the full extent of the destruction.
The devastation in China serves as a stark reminder of just how destructive tornadoes can be. These powerful atmospheric vortices form within thunderstorms, appearing as funnel-shaped clouds that can reach the ground and tear through communities at extreme speeds. Although tornadoes occur around the world, the US experiences the highest number each year, averaging around 1,150.
From the American Midwest to the plains of Bangladesh, click through this gallery to discover some of the most terrifying tornadoes in history.