HARBIN: One person was killed and 16 others were injured as tornado and hail lashed northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Tuesday, China authorities said Wednesday.

The extreme weather has thrashed the city of Shangzhi for about 30 minutes starting from 5:30 p.m., with four local townships being affected, according to the municipal authorities, as per Xinhua reports.

As of 6 a.m. Wednesday, it was reported that the tornado had damaged or toppled 148 houses and ravaged through farmlands. More than 240 villagers have been evacuated and the economic loss was primarily estimated at 5.12 million yuan (about $795,400). One seriously injured is under treatment, while the others only suffered minor injuries, local authorities said.

Earlier in March 26, a similar incident was reported wherein At least five people have been killed and multiple injuries reported after a string of up to seven deadly tornadoes tore through Alabama, toppling trees, demolishing homes and knocking out power to thousands.

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