A tornado has struck cities and villages in eastern China, killing 10 people and seriously injuring many others, state media said today.

“On Tuesday afternoon, a strong tornado hit Suqian in Jiangsu province (east)…causing casualties and property damage in some areas,” state broadcaster CCTV said.

Over 5,500 people were affected by this tornado and 137 houses collapsedaccording to “first statistics”, according to state media, while more than 400 people were forced to temporarily leave their homes.

This summer, China has recorded record rainfall and weeks of historically high temperatures.

Scientists say these extreme weather events are being intensified by climate change.