Beijing has issued it’s highest flood alert as torrential rains have caused widespread damage, leading to the relocation of over 80,000 people. The downpours have inundated roads, cut off electricity to 136 villages, and prompted the closure of schools, scenic spots, and rural accommodations.
Footage shared on social media depicts severe flooding in residential areas, with brown floodwaters engulfing streets, sweeping away vehicles, and disrupting power supplies. The Miyun district has been particularly affected, with streets transformed into rivers.
On Monday, the city raised its flood alert to the highest level, advising residents to avoid areas near swollen rivers. The Beijing Meteorological Observatory also activated a red alert for rainstorms, the most severe in its four-tier system, forecasting intensified rainfall overnight and a significant risk of flash floods, mudslides, and landslides in mountainous regions.
By Monday evening, authorities had mandated the closure of all schools and scenic attractions across the city.Additionally, all rural homestays and campsites were instructed to cease operations.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping acknowledged on Monday that the heavy rainfall and subsequent floods and geological disasters have resulted in “significant casualties and property losses” in Beijing and the northern provinces of Hebei, Jilin, and Shandong.
Xi has directed officials to prioritize search and rescue efforts for those still missing, ensure the safe evacuation and resettlement of at-risk populations, and work to minimize casualties as much as possible.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
