Beijing Floods: 30 Dead, 80,000 Evacuated Amidst Torrential Rains
Devastating floods in Beijing have claimed at least 30 lives, authorities reported, triggered by relentless rainfall that caused widespread flooding and landslides across northern China.
Miyun District Severely Affected
The Miyun district, northeast of Beijing, was particularly hard-hit, receiving over 21 inches of rain and reporting 28 fatalities. City-wide rainfall averaged over 6 inches. In Yanqing district, two additional deaths were recorded.
Mass Evacuations and Infrastructure Damage
The intense rainfall, which began on Saturday, prompted the evacuation of more than 80,000 Beijing residents. Critical infrastructure suffered significant damage, with numerous roads impacted and 136 villages, mostly in rural areas, experiencing power outages. Beijing issued its highest flood alert, urging residents to stay indoors. Schools and construction sites were closed.
Government Response
Prior to the announcement of casualties, President Xi Jinping emphasized the urgency of flood prevention and rescue operations, acknowledging the extensive damage throughout northern and eastern China.
Regional Impact
Shanxi province also reported rain-related deaths, and in Jinan, Shandong province, two people died after receiving half a year's worth of rain in just five hours. The floods are part of Beijing's heaviest rainfall event in 140 years. Concerns are heightened in Hebei province due to controlled flooding to protect Beijing, sparking public anger. In 2012, severe floods in Beijing and Hebei resulted in 145 deaths.