Floods inundate Beijing.

SGGPO August 1, 2023 11:01 AM

A Red alert for heavy rain and flooding – the highest alert level – remains in effect across provinces and the Beijing metropolitan area of ​​China due to heavy rainfall over the weekend, resulting in widespread flooding in the city. At least two people have died, while many public services have been severely affected.

Flooding in Mentougou District. Photo: China Daily

Heavy rainfall occurred across a wide area of ​​Beijing and surrounding regions due to the influence of Typhoon Doksuri after it made landfall in Fujian Province on July 28. This is the second time since 2010 that a Red alert for storms has been activated in Beijing.

Data shows that from 8 PM on July 29th to 10 AM on July 31st, the average rainfall in Beijing was 157.8mm, with the heaviest rainfall exceeding 538mm in a village in the suburban Fangshan district. Western, southern, and urban areas of Beijing experienced rainfall of 40-80mm on July 31st.

Two victims died due to flooding in Mentougou District, northwest of Beijing.

Heavy rains lasting for several days have led to flash floods and inundation in the suburbs and mountainous areas of northwestern Beijing, particularly Mentougou. Communications have been disrupted throughout the district.

Floodwaters rise on the Yongding River in Mentougou County. Photo: CFP

Other suburban areas of Beijing, including Fangshan and Daxing, were also severely affected by the heavy rains. Two river basins in Fangshan overflowed their banks, while a road near a village in Fangshan was washed away, blocking access to the village.

Data from Beijing's flood control agency shows that as of 8 PM on July 31st, more than 52,384 people affected by flooding across the city had been evacuated to safety. The flooding also forced authorities to close 107 mountain roads. 260 bus routes were affected, and some railway lines in suburban areas were suspended. 40 flights at Beijing Airport were canceled.

Neighboring Hebei province has also activated the highest level of storm warnings, controlling flooding and preventing inundation.

>> Some images of floodwater entering people's homes in Mentougou District. Photo: CFP

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