Beijing, 1 Aug, 2023 (GNP): At least 11 people have tragically lost their lives, and 27 others are missing after heavy rains wreaked havoc on northern parts of China, including the capital, Beijing, state media reported on Tuesday.
The region has been grappling with torrential downpours that have submerged roads, triggered landslides, and left neighborhoods inundated with mud. The remnants of Storm Doksuri have caused record-breaking rainfall, posing significant challenges to local authorities.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for “every effort” to rescue those who are lost or trapped due to the devastating floods. Amidst the crisis, two brave workers have already lost their lives during rescue and relief operations. The situation is dire, with more than 100,000 people evacuated from at-risk areas in Beijing alone, as reported by the sources.
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Storm Doksuri, previously a super typhoon, made its way northwards since striking southern Fujian province after first reaching the Philippines. As the storm moved inland, it gradually weakened, but its impact on China remains formidable. Rivers have swollen to dangerous levels, forcing the activation of a flood storage reservoir in Beijing for the first time since its construction 25 years ago. Over 100 mountain roads have been closed as a precautionary measure.
Local authorities are working tirelessly to treat the injured, comfort the families of victims, and minimize further casualties. President Xi Jinping emphasized the need to swiftly repair damaged transportation, communication, and electricity infrastructure and to restore normalcy in production and daily life.
As the situation unfolds, Beijing and neighboring regions face the risk of localized thunderstorms and strong winds. As per sources, the Fangshan district of Beijing is taking extraordinary measures, deploying helicopters to deliver food, drinking water, and emergency supplies to isolated mountain villages.
The city’s transportation network has been severely affected, with several subway lines suspended, and nearly 400 flights cancelled, and hundreds delayed at Beijing’s airports.
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Beijing witnessed an average of 260mm (10.2 inches) of rainfall from Saturday to early Monday, with some areas experiencing record-breaking rainfall, such as the Changping Wangjiayuan reservoir with a staggering 738.3mm (29 inches) of rainfall.
The Beijing government has acknowledged that the recent rainfall has broken records from a severe storm 11 years ago, highlighting the severity of the current situation.
Authorities continue to mobilize resources and coordinate rescue efforts to alleviate the devastating impact of the floods.