Increase in fatalities from the storm encompassing Beijing reaches a minimum of 60 individuals
Heavy Flooding Strikes Miyun District in Beijing, Causing Loss and Displacement
A series of heavy rains and floods in Beijing, China, has resulted in a significant impact on the Miyun district, affecting over 16,000 residents who were evacuated and causing the death of at least 37 people, according to recent reports.
The flooding submerged roads, swept away vehicles, and severely damaged power infrastructure, with the water levels in the Miyun Reservoir reaching their highest since its construction in 1959, prompting controlled discharges and flood warnings in the area.
The elderly care home in Taishitun township, part of Miyun, was particularly hard hit by the floods, with 77 residents trapped by rapidly rising floodwaters. Tragically, at least 31 of these residents lost their lives.
The death toll from the heavy rainfall in Beijing and surrounding areas has risen to at least 60, with at least eight more deaths reported in Chengde, Hebei province, due to the extreme weather conditions.
State television showed images of soldiers providing aid to devastated villages, and emergency water supplies were delivered to affected areas. Major roads were restored quickly by July 31, though local governments have been criticized for inadequate early warning systems and disaster prevention planning.
This summer season has been marked by severe weather events in parts of China, with the flooding in Miyun representing one of the most severe incidents in northern China in recent years. The search for survivors in Miyun lasted until the next day, with most of the seniors in the care home requiring care.
It is important to note that this event comes almost exactly two years after a severe summer storm in Beijing and Hebei, which also resulted in fatalities. The loss of life, infrastructure damage, and large-scale evacuations underscore the need for improved disaster preparedness and response in the region.
References:
[1] Xinhua. (2021, July 31). Beijing floods: Death toll rises to 37 in Miyun district. Retrieved from https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-07/31/c_139947784.htm
[2] Reuters. (2021, July 31). Death toll from Beijing floods rises to 37, with more than 80,000 people evacuated. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/china/death-toll-beijing-floods-rises-37-more-80000-people-evacuated-2021-07-31/
[3] CNN. (2021, July 30). More than 80,000 people evacuated as heavy flooding hits Beijing and surrounding areas. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/30/asia/beijing-floods-intl-hnk/index.html
[4] BBC News. (2021, July 31). Beijing floods: At least 37 dead as torrential rains hit northern China. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-58081316
As a result of the heavy rainfall in Beijing and surrounding areas, the weather-forecasting systems may have underestimated the magnitude of the floods that subsequently struck Miyun district.
The heavy flooding in Miyun district has sparked discussions about the need for more advanced weather-forecasting techniques to better prepare for such natural disasters in the future.
