Tragic Flooding in Beijing Claims Lives and Forces Evacuations
Recent heavy rains and severe flooding in and around Beijing have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 30 lives, with tens of thousands forced to evacuate their homes. On Monday, the Chinese capital and its neighboring areas experienced an extraordinary downpour, with rainfall reaching up to 54cm (21 inches) during what has been described as a period of "continuous extreme rain," according to China’s official Xinhua news agency.
As of midnight on Monday, the Beijing city government reported that 28 fatalities occurred in the Miyun district, while two deaths were confirmed in Yanqing district. Both districts are located in the mountainous outskirts of Beijing, away from the bustling city center.
In response to the crisis, more than 80,000 residents have been relocated throughout the capital, including approximately 17,000 individuals from Miyun.
Destruction and Disruption from Severe Storms
The impact of the flooding has been devastating. Roads have been damaged, and tree branches litter the streets, particularly in areas like Taishitun in Beijing. Rescue efforts are ongoing, as local authorities work tirelessly to assist those affected.
In a tragic development, reports surfaced on Monday indicating that four individuals lost their lives in a landslide in Luanping county, situated in neighboring Hebei province, with eight others still unaccounted for. One resident expressed concern over communication disruptions, making it difficult to reach family members in the affected areas.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for "all-out" search and rescue operations to minimize casualties. He acknowledged the substantial loss of life and property in Beijing and the provinces of Hebei, Jilin, and Shandong, as reported by Xinhua.
In a bid to manage the crisis, Beijing authorities implemented a top-level emergency response at 8 PM local time (1 PM UK time) on Monday. This response includes urging residents to remain indoors, closing schools, halting construction activities, and suspending outdoor tourism until further notice.
Continued Weather Warnings
Forecasts suggest that heavy rainfall is expected to persist in Beijing on Tuesday, with predictions of up to 30cm (12 inches) in some regions. The storms have already caused power outages in over 130 villages, disrupted communication lines, and damaged more than 30 road sections.
By Tuesday, the average rainfall across the city had reached over 16cm (6 inches), with two towns in Miyun recording an alarming 54cm (21 inches). The flooding has resulted in washed-away vehicles and downed power poles, prompting authorities to release water from a reservoir that has reached its highest level since its construction in 1959.
Community Resilience Amidst Adversity
In Miyun, uprooted trees and debris are scattered throughout the town, approximately 100km (60 miles) northeast of central Beijing. Streets are submerged, with mud marks left high on building walls. Local residents like Zhuang Zhelin are working tirelessly to clear mud from their businesses. "The flood came rushing in so fast and suddenly. In no time, the place was filled with water," he recounted.
His neighbor, Wei Zhengming, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, shared his experience: "The water was everywhere. I ran upstairs and waited for rescue, thinking that if no one came, we’d be in serious trouble."
In response to the disaster, the Chinese central government has allocated 50 million yuan (approximately £5.2 million) to assist Hebei and has dispatched a specialized team of emergency responders to support affected cities, including Chengde, Baoding, and Zhangjiakou.
Stay informed on the latest developments as the situation evolves, and join efforts to support affected communities during this challenging time.
