Heavy rainfall continued to batter Beijing and surrounding provinces on Monday, escalating the flood risks in the Chinese capital and forcing the evacuation of over 4,400 people from the Miyun district, located on the outskirts of Beijing.
The relentless downpour has led to flash floods, landslides, and widespread disruptions, particularly in the northern areas of the country.
Miyun, which has been one of the worst-hit areas, witnessed severe flooding, submerging roads and residential buildings. Videos from the region showed cars and trucks floating in deep floodwaters.
The floodwaters in the area were so intense that more than 10,000 people experienced power outages. Local officials confirmed that rescue operations are currently underway.
The downpour is part of a broader weather pattern associated with the East Asian monsoon. Climate change has been increasingly identified as a contributing factor to the heavy rainfall, particularly in northern China, which is traditionally an arid region.
In the village of Xiwanzi, near the critical Miyun Reservoir, floodwaters peaked at an unprecedented 6,550 cubic metres per second, setting a new record in the region’s history.
The flood threat has spread to neighboring provinces, including Shanxi and Shaanxi. Videos from these areas showed submerged farmlands, fallen trees, and damaged infrastructure.
Authorities in Beijing have sealed off two high-risk road sections in Pinggu district to prevent further casualties. A driver in Datong is reported missing after being swept away while trying to navigate the floodwaters.
In Hebei, the neighboring province to Beijing, rainfall reached a record 145 millimetres per hour, especially in Fuping county. The floods there have led to at least two confirmed deaths, with several people still missing.
In response, Beijing and other local authorities have ramped up relief efforts, with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) approving an emergency fund of 50 million yuan (approximately $6.98 million) for immediate recovery.
Chinese officials remain on high alert as floodwaters continue to threaten vulnerable regions. The disaster highlights the increasing strain on the country’s flood defenses and poses a significant risk to China’s agricultural sector, valued at $2.8 trillion.
With the situation still developing, authorities continue to monitor Beijing and its neighboring areas closely.
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