Rescue operations are ongoing after severe storms hit Huanggang City, Hubei Province, China, July 6, 2026. (Photo: VCG)

Eight people were killed and another remained missing after thunderstorms and gales brought by severe convective weather hit the eastern part of central China's Hubei Province on Monday night, according to the province's emergency management authorities.

Between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Monday, thunderstorms and strong winds hit Huangshi, Huanggang, Ezhou, and Xianning, with two townships seeing gales reaching level 13. Some areas saw tornadoes, according to the local authorities.

Three communities in Huanggang City's Huangzhou District have been severely battered by the latest round of convective weather, local rescue headquarters said Tuesday.

By 5 a.m. Tuesday, the severe weather had injured 275 people across the three communities. A total of 408 residents have been evacuated to safe places by subdistrict and community authorities.

Rescue and relief efforts are underway.