51 killed as deadly tornado rips through China province of Jiangsu

China: According to a report by China state media, at least 51 people have been killed in a horrifying tornado that ripped through a province, wrecking a number of buildings in its path on Thursday.

The tornado formed near the city of Yancheng  has left large numbers of people wounded and roads blocked.

The Yancheng weather bureau has issued a storm alert, predicting that there could be likely six more hours of life threatening situations, warning residents in the area to remain indoors reported China Central Television News (CCTV).

Images of the damages caused by the tornado as it passed through the eastern province of Jiangsu has surfaced on social media. 

Southern and eastern China have witnessed weeks of torrential rain and storms that have caused widespread flooding and series of casualties.