In Beijing, catastrophic rainfalls have resulted in at least 38 fatalities, with 30 deaths reported in the capital and eight in the neighboring Hebei province. The torrential rains, described as “rare and highly destructive,” delivered nearly a year’s worth of precipitation within a few days, particularly affecting the mountainous districts of Miyun and Yanqing. Intense storms began on Friday, prompting Chinese President Xi Jinping to declare a “critical” stage of the summer flood season and prioritize rescue efforts.
The central government allocated 350 million yuan ($48 million) for disaster relief in affected areas. Flash floods and landslides significantly disrupted infrastructure, damaging over 30 road sections, cutting off power to more than 130 villages, and forcing around 80,000 residents to evacuate. Eyewitness accounts reveal the chaos; one resident described how floodwaters carried away his possessions, including a washing machine and two cars.
Several individuals experienced terrifying evacuations, with accounts of people wading through floodwaters to reach safety. As of Tuesday morning, the rainstorm alert level was lowered, allowing some parks and tourist attractions to reopen. However, heavy rainfall is expected to shift towards eastern China, where coastal regions are preparing for Typhoon Co-may, set to make landfall.
Beijing has a history of summer flooding, with similar devastating events occurring in 2023. The current emergency emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate-related challenges that have increasingly affected the region. The ongoing crisis highlights the vital need for effective disaster management measures and infrastructure improvements to mitigate flooding risks in the future.
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