A sudden tornado slammed this capital of southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Tuesday, injuring over 20 people.

The tornado lasted for only ten minutes pulling out tree roots, blowing over rooves and advertisement boards. Nineteen of the victims were students, who were hurt by broken window glass, as their classroom in Guangming Primary School in the outskirt of Nanning was shaken by the powerful wind.

All the students were confirmed slightly injured. There were several others severely wounded, and they were still being treated in hospital.

The tornado caused temporary traffic jam. Local civil affairs officials are checking casualties and losses.

(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2005)