At least 23 people were confirmed dead and 161 others injured after strong gale and heavy rain swept southwestern China's Chongqing Municipality early Thursday morning, according to the municipal government.

The disastrous weather happened at around 2:00 a.m. in Dianjiang and Liangping counties, toppling houses and damaging crops, with at least 23 people dead and 161 others injured, government sources said.

Liangping county was also hit by a tornado and hailstorm, leaving six people dead and another 34 injured. Seventeen people died and 127 people were injured in Dianjiang county, according to rough statistics.

The municipal government has begun to carry out an emergency plan and started relief work.