Torrential rains have wreaked havoc across northern China, with Beijing bearing the brunt of devastating floods that have killed at least 30 people and forced the evacuation of over 80,000 residents.
The suburban districts of Miyun and Huairou, along with Yanqing, were hit hardest, with rainfall in Miyun reaching 543 mm — nearly matching Beijing’s average annual rainfall.
Dozens of roads have been damaged, and power outages have affected more than 130 villages, complicating rescue efforts.
Authorities have issued the highest-level flood alerts, urging residents to avoid swollen rivers and warning of risks like flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas.
Chinese authorities have mobilized extensive rescue operations, with firefighters, helicopters, and drones delivering aid to stranded residents.
In Miyun, local volunteers have stepped up, with one resident using a boat to rescue 17 people and another employing an excavator to save over 80.
The government has allocated 200 million yuan ($28 million) for recovery, focusing on repairing transportation and infrastructure.
President Xi Jinping has called for “all-out” efforts to rescue those missing or trapped and to minimize casualties, emphasizing preparation for “worst-case and extreme scenarios.”
Social media posts from affected residents highlight the desperation, with some unable to contact family members in remote villages.
The floods underscore China’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather, which experts link to climate change.
Northern China, a densely populated region with vital agricultural areas, has faced a summer of intense heatwaves, droughts, and now catastrophic flooding.
Beijing’s recent rainfall, averaging 166 mm over a few days, exceeds the city’s typical July totals.
This disaster follows a pattern of destructive weather events, including a 2023 deluge that brought record rainfall and a 2012 flood that killed 79.
The recurring crises pose significant challenges to China’s infrastructure and economy, particularly its trillion-dollar agriculture sector, as authorities work to mitigate losses and protect residents.