Desk Report,
Heavy rain and flooding in Beijing kill 30, a year’s worth of rain in just a few days
Heavy rain and flooding in the Chinese capital Beijing have killed 30 people as of midnight on Monday. Beijing has received almost a year’s worth of rain in just a few days, China’s state news agency Xinhua reported on Tuesday.
Heavy rain and flooding in Beijing kill 30, a year’s worth of rain in just a few days
Xinhua reported that heavy rain began in Beijing and surrounding provinces on Wednesday. It intensified on Monday. Up to 543.4 millimeters (21.4 inches) of rain was recorded in the northern part of the capital Beijing in one day. However, the average annual rainfall in Beijing is about 600 millimeters.
The deaths occurred in mountainous areas north of Beijing. Of these, 28 people died in the Miyun area and two in the Yanqing area. However, state media did not mention in detail when and how the deaths occurred.
Xinhua said that more than 80,000 residents of Beijing were evacuated to safer places after the heavy rain began. The rain caused extensive damage to roads and communication infrastructure. As of midnight yesterday, 136 villages were without power.
According to the Xinhua report, more than 80,000 residents of Beijing have been evacuated to safe places after the heavy rain began. The rain caused extensive damage to roads and communication infrastructure. As of midnight yesterday, 136 villages were without power.
Last night, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that there had been significant loss of life and property damage in Beijing, as well as in Hebei, Jilin and Shandong provinces. He ordered an “all-out” search and rescue operation in the affected areas.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also said that heavy rain and flooding in the Miyun area of Beijing had caused “significant loss of life”.
Beijing issued the highest rain and flood alert yesterday. Residents were advised not to leave their homes.
Beijing authorities have warned local residents that the water level of low-lying rivers is expected to be above the danger level. Locals have been told to stay away from these rivers.
The deaths occurred in mountainous areas north of Beijing. Of these, 28 people died in the Miyun area and two in the Yanqing area. However, state media did not mention in detail when and how the deaths occurred.
Meanwhile, China’s National Development and Reform Commission said on Tuesday that it is urgently allocating 200 million yuan (about 27.9 million dollars) to help Beijing deal with the floods.
In addition, China’s Ministry of Finance today allocated another 350 million yuan to help Beijing and other provinces deal with the disaster.
