In this unsettling summer of extreme weather, China's capital faces monumental challenges as President Xi Jinping urges urgent rescue efforts.
Beijing Floods Toll Climbing as Extreme Weather Strikes China
Beijing Floods Toll Climbing as Extreme Weather Strikes China
Heavy rains have triggered devastating floods in Beijing, claiming at least 30 lives and displacing over 80,000 residents.
At least 30 individuals have lost their lives in the recent floods ravaging Beijing, with Chinese authorities confirming the evacuation of more than 80,000 residents to safety. The devastating heavy rains have caused significant infrastructure damage, leaving many roads submerged and homes compromised throughout northern China.
In an additional tragedy, eight lives were claimed by a landslide in Chengde city, located approximately three hours northeast of the capital. China's recent summer weather has been marked by severe extremes, with record-breaking heatwaves affecting the eastern regions while the southwest has been battered by floods.
Amid this calamity, President Xi Jinping has mandated "all-out" rescue operations and urged preparedness for "worst-case and extreme scenarios." In his address to authorities, he emphasized the necessity to spare no effort in searching for missing individuals, relocating affected communities, and minimizing casualties. To support these efforts, the Chinese government has allocated 200 million yuan (about $28 million) for recovery operations, focusing on restoring critical transport and infrastructure.
The suburban districts of Miyun and Huairou, located on the outskirts of Beijing, have faced the brunt of the torrential downpours. Reports indicate that the floods have severely impacted over 130 villages by disrupting power supplies and damaging dozens of roads. Videos circulating on social media depict rescuers navigating through chest-high waters to reach stranded individuals, alongside helicopters and drones delivering essential supplies and food to overwhelmed areas.
Residents in the most affected zones have shared harrowing accounts of the disaster's rapid onset. Zhuang Zhelin, a local shopkeeper in Taishitun town, recounted how quickly the flood waters rose, leaving families with limited time to react. Another resident recalled a chilling moment of seeking refuge upstairs, acutely aware of the dangers they faced if assistance did not arrive soon.
Flooding in Beijing is not a new issue, particularly during this season, with historical precedents highlighting the city’s vulnerabilities. A catastrophic flood in July 2012 resulted in 79 fatalities, following an unprecedented downpour of 190mm within just one day. This summer's floods have also wreaked havoc across various parts of China, including Shandong province, where Typhoon Wipha tragically claimed two lives and left ten individuals missing. Experts attribute the escalating frequency and intensity of such natural disasters to climate change, posing an increasing threat to China's population and its critical agricultural economy.
According to recent data from China's emergency management ministry, the first half of this year has seen natural disasters inflict losses amounting to 54.11 billion yuan (approximately $7.5 billion), with flooding contributing over 90% of these damages.
