Severe Rainfall in Northern China Claims Lives and Displaces Thousands

Heavy rainfall across northern and northeastern China has resulted in at least two fatalities and compelled thousands to evacuate their homes. The deluge, which particularly affected areas in and around Beijing, has raised alarm among authorities who are warning of additional downpours and the heightened risk of flooding and landslides.

According to state broadcaster CCTV, the casualties occurred in Hebei province, with Baoding city experiencing some of the worst impacts. The county of Fuping recorded an astonishing rainfall rate of 145 millimetres (5.7 inches) per hour overnight, leading to significant disruptions. Two individuals remain missing as rescue operations continue.

Flood Warnings and Evacuations Across Northern China

China’s Ministry of Water Resources has issued flood warnings for 11 provinces, including Beijing and Hebei, highlighting the potential for severe flooding in small and medium-sized rivers, as well as sudden mountain torrents. In Beijing’s Miyun district, heavy rains and subsequent landslides have caused widespread damage, particularly in the rural town of Fengjiayu, which has been identified as the most severely impacted area.

Power and communication lines have been severed in parts of Miyun, prompting the relocation of more than 3,000 residents, as reported by Beijing News Radio. The water flow into the Miyun Reservoir surged to a record high of 6,550 cubic metres (231,000 cubic feet) per second, raising concerns over the reservoir’s capacity.

Meteorological forecasts indicate that further heavy rainfall is expected, with predictions suggesting that certain areas, including Miyun, may receive upwards of 100 millimetres of rain within a mere six hours. Authorities have warned that low-lying regions are at a high risk of waterlogging.

Record Rainfall and Its Implications

On Saturday, a geological disaster alert was issued in Beijing, indicating a risk of landslides and mudslides in the wake of this unprecedented rainfall. The current weather events have already resulted in rainfall amounts that exceed the typical annual totals for some regions; in Baoding’s Xizhuang township, 540 millimetres (21 inches) fell within just eight hours, significantly surpassing the area’s average annual rainfall of approximately 500 millimetres. This deluge has impacted more than 46,000 residents, necessitating the evacuation of 4,655 individuals, as reported by CCTV.

Scientists are increasingly attributing the surge in rainfall across northern China to climate change, noting that the region, which traditionally receives less precipitation than southern China, is facing an upward trend in severe weather patterns. The ongoing storms are part of the East Asian monsoon, which has been linked to extreme weather events across the country, causing substantial disruptions to daily life and economic activities.

As the situation continues to unfold, residents in affected areas remain on high alert, with authorities working diligently to manage the impacts of this severe weather.