Chinese officials confirmed on Tuesday that heavy rainfall in Beijing has resulted in at least 30 fatalities as severe storms led to floods and landslides throughout northern China.
Record Rainfall and Evacuations
By midnight, the mountainous district of Miyun received over 21 inches of rain, with 28 deaths recorded, according to state broadcaster CCTV, as cited by the NYT. The city-wide average rainfall exceeded 6 inches, leading to extensive evacuations. “Continuous heavy rainfall caused major disasters,” CCTV reported on Tuesday as rain continued to fall.
In addition to the fatalities in Miyun, the Yanqing district reported two more deaths. Over 80,000 residents have been evacuated as numerous roads sustained damage, and 136 villages within Beijing’s administrative region, primarily rural areas, faced power outages.
Highest Flood Alert Issued
On Monday night, Beijing issued its highest flood alert, advising residents to stay indoors unless necessary. Authorities ordered the closure of schools and construction sites as a precaution.
Government Response and Urgency
Before the announcement of casualties, state media reported that Chinese leader Xi Jinping instructed officials to prioritize flood prevention and rescue operations. As reported by the Xinhua news agency, he stated that China is “currently in the critical period of flood prevention from July to August.” He acknowledged significant casualties and property damage across northern and eastern China in recent days.
Widespread Impact Beyond Beijing
Other regions in northern China have also faced rain-related casualties. In Shanxi province, a bus disappeared on Sunday, while in Jinan, Shandong province, at least two people died last week after receiving half a year’s typical rainfall within just five hours.
Beijing experienced its heaviest rainfall in 140 years during 2023. However, neighboring Hebei province suffered significant damage after authorities opened floodgates to create a “moat” for the capital—an action that sparked outrage among residents who felt they received insufficient warning.
Historical Context
The 2012 floods in Beijing and Hebei were particularly devastating, claiming 145 lives. The current events serve as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by extreme weather and the importance of effective flood management strategies.
