Strong gales in east China kill 11, injure 102

A strong hail and thunderstorm hit the east China city of Nantong, Jiangsu Province, on Friday night, killing 11 people and injuring 102 others, according to state media reports.

A local meteorological station said the wind force had reached speeds of 103-117 kilometres per hour (62 to 73 miles per hour) on land and along rivers, and up to 150-166 kilometres per hour (93-103 miles per hour) in the coastal areas.

The storm ripped road barriers and downed trees on the sidewalks, interrupting traffic and damaging electric lines, causing a power outage of street lamps, state broadcaster CCTV said.

More than 3,000 people have been affected by the storm, CCTV said.