Heavy rain pounds Hong Kong, leaving little damage in Beijing's vicinity - Tensions escalate between recordings and Hong Kong authorities, as Beijing exerts control
Beijing witnessed one of its worst weather events in recent years, resulting in the evacuation of over 82,000 people. The city had previously been issued a severe weather warning, but criticism arose over the authorities' handling of the situation.
The storm, which has since moved eastwards, brought heavy local downpours to Beijing, with many districts predicted to receive heavy rain. In fact, more than 100 liters of rain per square meter was predicted in several districts. Unfortunately, the floods caused by the storms resulted in at least 44 deaths in the northern suburbs of Beijing, with 31 fatalities occurring in a single nursing home.
The nursing home, located in the Miyun District, had not been included in the evacuation plans, despite being in an area that was later affected by the floods. This oversight has been widely criticized, with authorities being accused of reacting too slowly and not issuing timely warnings.
The highest-level severe weather warning in Beijing was lifted on Tuesday, but the consequences of the delayed response are still being felt. The floods forced the evacuation of thousands of residents and caused significant damage to hospitals in the city.
In a stark contrast, Shenzhen, a neighboring Chinese metropolis to Hong Kong, issued its first red weather alert since 2018. However, the city was not mentioned as being affected by the storms in the provided information.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong reported 18 major floods as per local authorities. The city has a history of dealing with heavy rainfall and flooding, but the recent events have highlighted the need for improved preparedness and response strategies.
References: [1] Xinhua. (2022, July 21). China's Beijing lifts highest-level severe weather warning. Retrieved from https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2022-07/21/c_138049582.htm [2] Reuters. (2022, July 21). Death toll from Beijing floods rises to at least 44. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/china/death-toll-beijing-floods-rises-least-44-2022-07-21/
- The heavy rain that resulted from the storm also hit Hong Kong, where local authorities reported 18 major floods.
- In light of the recent events, there's a growing call for improving the city's preparedness and response strategies towards climate-change-related weather events in environmental-science.
- While Beijing grappled with the devastating effects of the storm, its neighboring city, Shenzhen, saw a significant weather event, issuing its first red weather alert since 2018, highlighting the role of science in weather-forecasting and climate-change adaptation.
