Heavy Rain and Flooding Claim Over 30 Lives in Beijing and Neighboring Regions
More than 30 people have died due to severe rain and flooding in Beijing and nearby areas, according to official reports, as tens of thousands were forced to evacuate.
State media stated that as of late Monday, 28 fatalities were recorded in Beijing’s Miyun district and two others in Yanqing district—both located far from the city center.
In neighboring Hebei province, four people lost their lives in a landslide, while eight others remain missing.
The heavy rainfall, which began over the weekend, intensified around Beijing and surrounding regions on Monday. Northern districts of the capital recorded as much as 543.4mm of rain.
More than 80,000 residents were relocated in Beijing, and roads and communication networks suffered significant damage. By late Monday, 136 villages were without power.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for extensive search and rescue operations to limit further loss of life.
Beijing raised its highest rain and flood warnings, urging people to remain indoors.
Officials released water from a reservoir in Miyun after it reached its highest level since its construction in 1959. Residents near downstream rivers were cautioned as water levels rose, with more rain expected.
In Miyun, which borders Hebei’s Luanping county, strong floods swept away vehicles and knocked down power lines.
In Taishitun, around 100km northeast of central Beijing, uprooted trees lay scattered, their roots exposed. Streets were submerged, with mud caked on walls.
“The flood rushed in suddenly—before we knew it, the whole place was filling up,” said Zhuang Zhelin, who was cleaning mud from his family’s shop.
Authorities implemented the highest emergency response, instructing residents to stay home, closing schools, halting construction, and suspending outdoor tourism and activities.
The most intense rainfall was forecast for early Tuesday, with some areas expecting up to 30cm.
The central government allocated 50 million yuan (around $7 million) to Hebei and deployed an emergency response team to assist affected regions.
Climate change has worsened extreme weather globally, increasing the frequency and severity of disasters such as heatwaves, floods, and wildfires. Many of the most catastrophic events in recent years would have been improbable without human influence on rising temperatures.
With Reuters, the Associated Press, and Agence France-Presse
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