Beijing Faces Severe Flooding: Up to 300mm of Rain Expected
On Tuesday, Beijing is bracing for its heaviest rainfall yet, with forecasts predicting up to 300mm (11.8 inches) of rain in certain areas. Tragically, severe weather has already claimed the lives of at least 30 individuals in the city, as relentless downpours continue to batter the Chinese capital, as reported by state media.
The fatalities have primarily occurred in the mountainous northern districts of Beijing, with 28 deaths recorded in Miyun and two in Yanqing, according to the official Xinhua state news agency. “As of midnight Monday, the latest round of heavy rainstorms has led to 30 deaths in Beijing,” Xinhua stated, referencing information from the city’s municipal flood control headquarters.
The torrential rains began over the weekend and intensified on Monday, resulting in record rainfall of up to 543mm (21.3 inches) in northern districts of Beijing. In response to the overwhelming flooding, authorities have relocated more than 80,000 residents from the most affected areas, where numerous roads have been damaged, and power has been cut to at least 136 villages, as reported by CCTV, China’s national broadcaster.
The most intense rainfall is anticipated early on Tuesday, with some regions expecting up to 300mm (11.8 inches) of rain. In the Miyun district, members of the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force are actively working to clear roads of silt as continuous rain prompts alerts across the area.
To manage the crisis, authorities have released water from a reservoir in Miyun, which has reached its highest level since its construction in 1959. Residents downstream have been cautioned to stay away from rivers due to rising water levels and the forecast of additional heavy rain.
In a show of leadership, Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for “all-out” search and rescue operations to minimize casualties. Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors, leading to the closure of schools, suspension of construction work, and the halt of outdoor tourism and activities until the emergency warning is lifted.
In Taishitun, a town approximately 100km (60 miles) northeast of central Beijing, streets have been inundated with mud and water. Uprooted trees lay scattered, their roots exposed. Local resident Zhuang Zhelin recounted the suddenness of the flood, stating, “The flood came rushing in, just like that, so fast and suddenly. In no time at all, the place was filling up,” as he worked alongside his family to clear mud from their shop.
Earlier reports indicated that the severe weather had also resulted in the deaths of four people and left eight others missing due to a landslide in Hebei province, located south of Beijing.
Stay informed and stay safe as Beijing navigates this challenging weather situation.
