Floods inundate Beijing

SGGPO August 1, 2023 11:01

A red alert for rainstorms, the highest level, remains in place in several provinces and the capital Beijing, China, as heavy rains over the weekend have led to flooding in many parts of the city. At least two people have died, while many public activities have been severely affected.

Flooding in Mentougou District. Photo: China Daily

Heavy rains hit Beijing and surrounding areas after Typhoon Doksuri made landfall in Fujian Province on July 28. This is the second time since 2010 that a red alert for rainstorms has been issued in Beijing.

Data shows that from 8 p.m. on July 29 to 10 a.m. on July 31, the average rainfall in Beijing was 157.8 mm, with the highest rainfall exceeding 538 mm in a village in Fangshan District. The western, southern and urban areas of Beijing saw rainfall of up to 40-80 mm on July 31.

Two victims died due to floods in Mentougou district, northwest Beijing.

Heavy rains lasting several days have led to flash floods and waterlogging in the suburbs and mountainous areas of western Beijing, especially Mentougou. Communications have been disrupted across parts of the district.

Floodwaters on the Vinh Dinh River in Men Dau Cau District rose. Photo: CFP

Other Beijing suburbs, including Fangshan and Daxing, were also severely affected by heavy rain. Two river basins in Fangshan overflowed, while a road near a Fangshan village was washed away, blocking access to the village.

Data from the Beijing Municipal Flood Control Bureau showed that as of 8 p.m. on July 31, more than 52,384 people affected by floods had been evacuated to safety across the city. The floods also forced authorities to close 107 mountain roads. The operations of 260 bus routes were affected and some suburban railways were suspended. Forty flights at Beijing Airport were canceled.

Neighboring Hebei province has also activated its highest-level warnings for rainstorms, flood control and inundation prevention.

>> Some images of water flooding into houses in Mon Dau Cau district. Photo: CFP

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/lu-lut-ngap-bac-kinh-post699804.html