The provincial office of disaster relief said the tornado struck several towns 11:10 p.m. Tuesday and 2 a.m. Wednesday.

Fifty-seven people are still being treated in hospital with serious injuries.

The storm affected 23,681 people, destroyed 715 houses and caused estimated direct economic losses of 24 million yuan (US$2.9 million), according to officials.

To date, 1,786 people have been transferred to safe places. Rescue teams, medical staff and relief materials, including tents and food, have arrived at the affected areas.

(Xinhua News Agency July 9, 2003)