Beijing lifted its highest-level rainstorm alert on Tuesday following severe flooding that resulted in at least 44 deaths. The flooding, caused by torrential rains, also left nine people missing, according to official reports.
Over 82,000 residents were evacuated from the affected areas as authorities warned of ongoing risks from landslides and other secondary disasters.
The red alert, which is the most severe level in China’s four-tier weather warning system, was issued on Monday. However, by Tuesday, the alert was downgraded as the storm system weakened and moved eastward.
Despite this, authorities urged continued vigilance, particularly in the city’s northern suburbs, which were among the hardest hit.
Severe Flooding in Beijing’s Suburbs
The flooding primarily affected Beijing’s northeastern district of Miyun, southwestern Fangshan, western Mentougou, and northern Huairou. Miyun was the hardest hit, with 31 fatalities, including many residents of an elderly care center that was overwhelmed by rising waters.
Local officials, including Yu Weiguo, the Communist Party chief in Miyun, acknowledged shortcomings in disaster preparedness. He admitted that the response was hampered by a lack of knowledge about extreme weather events.
“This tragic lesson reminds us that putting people first is not just a slogan,” he stated during a meeting.
Residents described how the floods arrived suddenly, flooding homes and villages with little warning. The speed and severity of the storm caught many by surprise, making evacuation efforts particularly challenging.
Beijing’s Recovery Efforts and Continued Caution
Following the disaster, the Beijing municipal government held an emergency meeting to discuss recovery efforts. Authorities emphasized the importance of quickly restoring essential services such as roads, water, and electricity, as well as repairing hospitals, schools, and elderly care facilities.
“Restoring normal life and production in the affected areas is our top priority,” stated government officials in a social media post.
Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Public Security reminded citizens to stay alert and avoid spreading rumors or exaggerated reports about the flooding. State broadcaster CCTV also urged the public to maintain order during this challenging time.
China Faces Ongoing Weather Challenges
The floods in Beijing are part of a broader trend of extreme weather events affecting both northern and southern China. In recent weeks, Hong Kong also faced significant rainfall, with its highest-level rain warning issued multiple times.
This ongoing series of natural disasters highlights the country’s vulnerability to climate-related events, especially during the summer months.
As the world’s leading emitter of greenhouse gases, China’s extreme weather patterns serve as a reminder of the global impact of climate change. Despite this, the country has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
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