Heavy Rain in Beijing Causes 30 Fatalities and Extensive Damage

Heavy rainfall in Beijing has resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people as of midnight on July 28, 2023. According to the official Xinhua News Agency, the fatalities occurred primarily in the mountainous northern districts of the city, with 28 deaths reported in Miyun and two in Yanqing. The specific circumstances surrounding these fatalities remain unclear.

The heavy rain began over the weekend and significantly intensified on Monday, leading to unprecedented rainfall totals of up to 543.4 mm in the northern districts of Beijing. The intense weather has prompted the relocation of more than 80,000 residents to safer areas, as authorities work to mitigate the impact of the flooding.

Infrastructure Damage and Emergency Response

The torrential rain has caused widespread damage to roads and communication infrastructure across the city. As of late Monday, 136 villages were reported to be without power, highlighting the extensive impact of the weather event. In response to the crisis, Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered “all-out” search and rescue efforts to minimize casualties and assist affected residents.

Beijing’s local government issued its highest-level rain and flood alerts on Monday, advising residents to avoid leaving their homes. The situation remains fluid as emergency services continue to assess and respond to the damage caused by the severe weather.

This event marks one of the most significant weather-related emergencies in the region, drawing attention to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather patterns. As recovery efforts continue, the focus now shifts to restoring power and infrastructure while ensuring the safety of those affected.