Severe hailstorms take 13 lives

Thirteen people have been killed as hailstones the size of eggs fell on southern parts of China, AFP reported. Officials told state media that seven people died when their bus was caught in a landslide triggered by storms in a mountainous area southwest of Chongqing. Others were killed by lightning and falling roofs, which were dislodged by the hailstorms. In total, 158 houses collapsed and more than 80,000 hectares of farmland were damaged. It is estimated that more than one million people have been affected in the Chongqing area at an economic cost of US$25.6 million. Fujian province on the southeast coast also experienced severe storms, with hailstones punching holes in thousands of homes. However, officials there said there were no casualties.