The sudden and devastating tornado that hit east China’s Jiangsu Province on Thursday was the most powerful storm to hit the region in the past 50 years.

Nothing, it seems, was able to withstand the tornado…

Including lives… More than 1,500 people were left homeless...

"This has been the fourth day of repair and rescue work since the tornado passed through the village. Although many villagers have lost their homes, they still have a grateful heart for all the help they've received," said Shi Wenjing Funing, Jiangsu Province.

59-year-old Cui Liqiao wrote the thank you board.

Her house was partly damaged by the tornado. But she's luckier than her neighbors.

"I can still live in my own house. But my neighbors can't. I've watched the rescue workers, police, firefighters and volunteers working round the clock. They are trying their best to restore our water and power supplies. I was so sad to see my village flattened by the storm. But I really want to express my sincere gratitude to these people," said Cui Liqiao, villager Jiqiao Village, Funing County.

In the next village, we ran into some villagers who had come back to look for their belongings. This old man wanted to get the air-conditioner from his damaged house.

In the last four days, government and civilian rescue and relief efforts have reached the worst-hit two counties. Water supplies have resumed, and two thirds of power supplies have been restored.

The people who lost their homes are expected to move into new homes in the coming winter.