The hailstorm hit Saturday afternoon in Zhejiang province and lasted for 10 minutes, said an official surnamed Chen from the social disaster rescue relief section of the Bureau of Civil Affairs in Wenling city.

"Forty-two villages from two townships were stricken," he said.

"The hailstones were the size of eggs, some up to 45mm (1.8 inches) big.

"Our estimates are that 60,000 villagers were affected, among which 30,000 people were seriously affected."

Chen said 10 people were seriously hurt in the storm and that "numerous people were slightly hurt."

The China Daily put the injury toll at 105.

Rescue workers were dispatched to the area armed with emergency rescue materials, including temporary shelters, said Chen.

He added that the damage bill was likely to reach 80 million yuanmillion dollars).

SPACE.WIRE