Hail destroys 18 000 homes
2003-04-14 08:17
Beijing - Hailstones the size of eggs crashed into an eastern Chinese province, destroying 18 000 homes and injuring more than 100 people, said state press and local officials on Monday.
The hailstorm hit on Saturday afternoon in Zhejiang province and lasted for 10 minutes, said an official with the surname of Chen from the rescue section of the bureau of civil affairs in Wenling city.
"Forty-two villages from two townships were stricken," he said.
"The hailstones were the size of eggs, some up to 45mm big.
"Our estimates are that 60 000 villagers were affected, of whom 30 000 were seriously affected."
Chen said 10 people were seriously hurt in the storm and "numerous people were slightly hurt".
The China Daily put the injury toll at 105.
Rescue workers were sent to the area with emergency rescue materials, including temporary shelters, said Chen.
He added the damage bill was likely to reach 80 million yuan (about R75m).
- AFX