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BEIJING (AP) — Torrential rain in areas around China’s capital, Beijing, has caused widespread devastation, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people and leaving 27 others missing. The government reported on Tuesday that the flooding has destroyed roads, uprooted trees, and knocked out power.
The severity of the flooding has taken Beijing by surprise, as the city usually experiences dry summers. However, this year saw a stretch of record-breaking heat. Thousands of people have been evacuated to shelters in schools and other public buildings in suburban Beijing, as well as in the nearby cities of Tianjin and Zhuozhou.
In the Mentougou district on Beijing’s western edge, muddy water surged down streets, washing away cars. Residents described the shocking scene, with cars parked on the street being swept away within minutes. Emergency workers have been using bulldozers to clear streets, while residents wade through mud.
The official Xinhua News Agency reported that 11 deaths were reported in Beijing, with authorities searching for 27 missing individuals. Nine deaths were also reported in Hebei province, which surrounds the capital. Power to approximately 60,000 homes in Beijing’s Fangshan district was knocked out.
In Zhuozhou, southwest of Beijing, around 125,000 people from high-risk areas have been moved to shelters. President Xi Jinping has issued an order for local governments to make every effort to rescue those trapped and minimize loss of life and property damage.
The government of Tianjin, a port east of Beijing, has evacuated 35,000 people from areas near the swollen Yongding River. The Hebei province weather agency reported that some places have received as much as 500 millimeters (almost 20 inches) of rain since Saturday, with some areas experiencing rainfall rates of up to 90 millimeters (3 1/2 inches) per hour.
The Haihe Basin, which includes Beijing, Tianjin, and Shijiazhuang, has seen 13 rivers exceed warning levels, according to the Ministry of Water Resources. Emergency officials have reported the evacuation of approximately 42,000 people from areas of Shanxi province to the west of Hebei.
This recent flooding adds to the series of severe weather events that China has been facing. In early July, floods in the southwestern region of Chongqing resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people, while thousands had to be evacuated in the far northwestern province of Liaoning. Rainstorms in the central province of Hubei trapped residents in their vehicles and homes.
China has a history of deadly and destructive floods, with the most devastating occurring in 1998 when 4,150 people lost their lives, primarily along the Yangtze River. In 2021, more than 300 people died in flooding in the central province of Henan, with record rainfall inundating the provincial capital of Zhengzhou and causing streets to turn into rushing rivers, even flooding part of a subway line.
The Chinese government is now focused on rescue efforts and minimizing further loss of life and property damage as the country battles with the aftermath of these severe floods.
How is the government addressing the widespread power outages and infrastructure damage caused by the severe flooding in Beijing and surrounding areas
20 people have been reported dead and 27 others missing due to torrential rain in areas around Beijing, China’s capital. The unexpected severity of the flooding has caused widespread devastation, destroying roads, uprooting trees, and causing power outages. The city, which typically experiences dry summers, has been hit by record-breaking heat this year. Thousands of people have been evacuated to shelters in Beijing and nearby cities. The Mentougou district has seen muddy water surging down streets, washing away cars, while emergency workers and residents work together to clear the streets. The government is searching for missing individuals, with 11 deaths reported in Beijing and nine in Hebei province. Additionally, power to 60,000 homes in Beijing’s Fangshan district has been knocked out. Similar conditions have been reported in Zhuozhou, southwest of Beijing.
It’s heartbreaking to hear about the devastating flooding in Beijing. My thoughts go out to the victims and their families. Hoping for the safe return of the missing individuals and support for those affected.
This is truly heartbreaking news. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the devastating flooding in Beijing. I hope that the rescue efforts bring some relief and comfort to the families of the deceased and the missing individuals. Stay strong, Beijing.