Rise in mortality toll due to Beijing's storm reaches a minimum of 60 victims
Recent heavy rain incidents in Beijing and Miyun District have caused significant disruption, including fatalities, evacuations, and infrastructure damage. Here are the key details:
- Death Toll:
- The heavy rains have led to several deaths. As of the latest updates, the death toll from heavy rainfall in Beijing and surrounding areas has risen to at least 60. This number includes 37 confirmed deaths in Miyun district and at least eight more fatalities reported in the neighboring city of Chengde in Hebei province.
- Evacuations:
- Authorities have evacuated thousands of residents from flood-prone areas in both Beijing city proper and Miyun District to ensure safety. Emergency shelters have been set up for displaced individuals.
- Evacuations mainly targeted low-lying areas and communities near rivers and reservoirs susceptible to overflow. In Miyun district alone, around 17,000 people were evacuated, and more than 80,000 people were evacuated due to the floods across the affected areas.
- Infrastructure Damage:
- Flooding has caused damage to roads, bridges, and public transport infrastructure, leading to closures and disruptions. In some areas, cars were swept away due to the floods, and roads were flooded.
- Some urban areas experienced waterlogging, impacting businesses and homes. Power outages and communication disruptions have been reported in affected zones.
- The Miyun Reservoir, a key water source for Beijing, saw its level reach its highest point since it was built in 1959. However, authorities have been managing controls to prevent overflow.
- Government Response:
- Emergency services, including rescue teams and the military, have been mobilized for relief and rescue operations. State television showed images of soldiers providing aid to devastated villages.
- Authorities are conducting damage assessments and beginning repair work on critical infrastructure. Yu Weiguo, the district's party secretary, stated at a press conference that the government is committed to rebuilding and restoring normalcy as quickly as possible.
- Flood warnings remain in effect as meteorological agencies monitor weather conditions for further risks. Residents were warned about rising water levels before the floods.
If you need the most current numbers or detailed reports, checking official local government releases or news updates from major Chinese news agencies will provide the latest verified information.
- Despite the efforts to manage the flood situation at the Miyun Reservoir, the general news reporting significant disruption includes updates on crime-and-justice as isolated instances of looting and minor property damage have been reported in some flood-ravaged areas.
- In addition to the ongoing evacuation efforts and extensive infrastructure damage, the weather forecast in the affected regions, including Beijing and Miyun District, suggests further heavy rainfall in the coming days, potentially escalating the crisis with its associated consequences.
