Typhoon Maysak Devastates Southern China
Typhoon Maysak, the first typhoon to make landfall in China during the 2026 season, has caused catastrophic damage across southern and central regions. The Guangxi region experienced intense downpours of up to 280mm in just 12 hours, causing rivers to swell and dam walls to break. By Monday morning, widespread flooding in Nanning and surrounding areas left many people stranded on rooftops.
Snakes Escape Flooded Farms
Flood waters in China pose additional threats due to the presence of wild and farmed snakes. Local media reported on Thursday that hundreds of snakes, including cobras, had escaped from flooded breeding farms. Authorities warned residents to remain cautious as the reptiles sought higher ground.
Tornadoes Follow the Typhoon
Typhoon Maysak also contributed to the development of two destructive tornadoes that swept across central China on Monday evening. These tornadoes formed when warm air from the south, drawn up by the typhoon, collided with cold air from the north. The official state news agency Xinhua reported at least 11 dead and 331 injured, with more than 4,855 houses 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 severe weather this week. Parts of Mumbai received over 300mm of rain on Sunday, and a nearby site at Matheran, just east of Mumbai, recorded total rainfall exceeding 850mm between Sunday and Wednesday. This four-day deluge led to the collapse of buildings 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. Although it is the peak of Mumbai's monsoon season, 300mm in 24 hours accounts for nearly 50% of July's entire monthly average rainfall.
Winter Storm Hits Tristan da Cunha
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 located at the island's school. Several buildings had their roofs ripped off, 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 that compresses and accelerates.
