Update: Beijing Floods Kill 30, Force Evacuation of 80,000 Residents

Storms Ravage Mountainous Districts

Severe rainstorms in northern Beijing have killed at least 30 people as of midnight Monday, according to Chinese state media Xinhua. The majority of fatalities occurred in the Miyun District (28 deaths), with two additional deaths in Yanqing.

Xinhua reported that more than 80,000 people have been relocated across the city. Infrastructural damage includes 31 road sections and disruption of electricity in 136 villages.

Xi Jinping Orders Urgent Response

Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a directive Monday emphasizing “all-out efforts” to protect lives and property. As reported by Xinhua, Xi called for accelerated search and rescue operations, relocation of residents from flood-threatened areas, and full mobilization of emergency personnel.

Evacuations and Human Stories

In Shicheng Township, Deputy Chief Cui Di told Xinhua that the community had worked tirelessly to move residents to safer areas. “During emergencies like this, it’s tough for everyone. We do our best to make the shelter as comfortable as possible to ease their anxiety,” Cui said, as quoted by Xinhua.

Essential supplies such as mattresses, blankets, bread, and eggs were distributed to the displaced.

Zhao was rescued by speedboat from his flooded village and is now staying at a shelter in Miyun.

Villager Gao Shuhong told Xinhua that her family climbed to the roof of their house to escape the rising water. “The firefighters risked their lives to save us. One of them nearly fell from the roof,” Gao said.

In Pinggu District’s Guanshang Village, communication was cut entirely. “Water, electricity, and gas have been cut off. After 1 p.m., even our phones have no signal,” a villager was quoted as saying. Community workers reportedly went door-to-door instructing people: “Pack your essentials and evacuate immediately.”

Relocation Shelters Activated

According to Xinhua, temporary shelters were set up across affected districts. In Pinggu District, a facility designed to house 1,000 people had already welcomed over 900 by Monday night.

“We’ve prepared plenty of hot water, and each meal includes four dishes and soup,” said local official Shi Xiaoxiao, as quoted by Xinhua. “For elderly residents whose children aren’t with them, we make sure they have someone to talk to.”

Hydrological Extremes and Infrastructure Strain

Xinhua reported that peak water flow in Miyun’s Qingshui River reached 2,800 cubic meters per second, compared to the decade-average of just 1.62 m³/s. In Taishitun Township, floodwaters began to recede Tuesday morning, and some local businesses had resumed operations.

Deputy Township Head Liu Jiayin told Xinhua that “urgent repairs” made the main stone bridge passable again. “If the road had remained closed, it would have posed a serious threat to villagers’ safety and their daily needs,” Liu said.

Rain Eases but Threat Remains

As of 8 p.m. Monday, Beijing’s flood control headquarters activated its highest emergency response level. Authorities have urged residents to stay away from rivers and low-lying areas, Xinhua reported.

Heavy rainfall also prompted railway authorities to suspend services on the Beijing-Harbin high-speed railway.

Government Releases Emergency Funds

China’s Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Emergency Management jointly allocated 350 million yuan (approximately $48.94 million) in disaster relief funds, according to Xinhua. The funds target emergency rescue efforts in nine affected provinces, including Beijing.

The National Development and Reform Commission also distributed 200 million yuan specifically for recovery and relief operations in the capital.

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