Severe floods in Beijing have resulted in numerous casualties and widespread evacuations, reflecting a harsh summer of climate-related disasters across China.
Beijing Floods Claim Lives as Extreme Weather Sweeps China
Beijing Floods Claim Lives as Extreme Weather Sweeps China
At least 30 fatalities reported in Beijing flooding, raising alarm over summer's climate extremes.
At least 30 people have lost their lives in Beijing as heavy rainfall has led to catastrophic flooding, prompting more than 80,000 residents to evacuate to safety, according to local authorities. In a related incident, eight additional fatalities occurred due to a landslide in Chengde city, situated about three hours northeast of Beijing. This devastating event forms part of a broader trend of extreme weather afflicting China this summer, which has already seen record heatwaves in the eastern regions and flooding in the southwest.
In response to the crisis, President Xi Jinping has ordered "all-out" rescue operations and directed authorities to brace for the "worst-case and extreme scenarios." He emphasized the urgency of searching for missing individuals and ensuring the safe relocation of affected residents, focusing on minimizing potential casualties.
Chinese officials have committed 200 million yuan (approximately $28 million) to recovery efforts aimed at restoring infrastructure and essential services. Areas on the outskirts of Beijing, particularly the suburban regions of Miyun and Huairou, have been severely impacted, with numerous roads rendered impassable and power outages affecting over 130 villages.
Tragic stories have emerged from the disaster, such as that of Ms. Yang, who expressed deep concern for her family in Miyun district, with limited contact since the floods began. In her desperation, she turned to social media to seek aid for her relatives and their pets, fearing they may be overlooked amidst the chaos.
Witnesses of the floods have described the terrifying speed with which the disaster unfolded. Zhuang Zhelin, a shop owner in the affected area, recounted how the water rushed in rapidly, leaving many with little time to escape to safety. The threat of flooding in Beijing is not a new phenomenon; a particularly deadlier incident occurred in July 2012, resulting in 79 fatalities when 190mm of rain fell in a single day.
Throughout the summer, severe flooding has impacted various regions across China. Earlier this month, Typhoon Wipha led to two deaths and ten missing individuals in Shandong province, while a landslide in Ya'an city claimed three lives just weeks ago. Experts attribute the increase in climate-related disasters to ongoing climate change, posing significant risks to China's residents and its significant agricultural sector, which represents a vital part of the economy.
In the first half of the year alone, natural disasters have inflicted 54.11 billion yuan (around $7.5 billion) in damages, with flooding responsible for more than 90% of these losses, as reported by the emergency management ministry.
