Updated

Violent thunderstorms have lashed parts of China's southern industrial heartland of Guangdong province, leaving 18 people dead and scores injured.

The provincial Civil Affairs Bureau says hail, rain and gale-force winds Sunday afternoon struck Guangdong's capital, Guangzhou, along with the nearby cities of Foshan, Dongguan and Zhaoqing.

The bureau said Monday that victims were struck by falling objects and collapsing walls and work sheds, with 155 people injured and 380 left homeless. About 2,500 acres (1,000 hectares) of crops were damaged.

The region is home to much of China's crucial export manufacturing sector, although there was no immediate indication of serious damage to assembly lines.