Catastrophic rainstorms in Beijing result in at least 38 fatalities - Thirty-eight deaths in Beijing region due to intense rainfall
Heavy Rainstorms Cause Devastation in Beijing and Hebei
Recurring summer storms and heavy rainfall have once again wreaked havoc in Beijing and Hebei, China, resulting in numerous fatalities, extensive flooding, and infrastructure damage.
The latest incident, which began over the weekend, has claimed at least 38 lives, with eight people dying in a landslide in Luanping County, Hebei, and two more in Yanqing, northwest of Beijing. These tragic incidents are part of a series of events that have become increasingly severe in recent years, causing dozens of deaths, mass evacuations, and critical disruptions to power and transportation.
The heavy rainfall occurred in and around Beijing, with more than 80,000 people having to be evacuated due to flooding. The storms led to the closure of tourist attractions and the suspension of bus and train services.
The causes of these extreme summer rainstorms primarily include the summer monsoon system and the subtropical high-pressure system, which bring abundant heat and moisture, leading to unstable atmospheric conditions favoring heavy rainfall. Additionally, the presence and residual circulation of multiple typhoons significantly contribute to extreme storm intensity in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.
Chinese authorities have implemented a range of prevention and mitigation measures to reduce casualties and minimize damage. These measures include activating high-level flood control emergency responses, mass evacuations, closing schools, and suspending construction and tourism activities during severe weather events. Controlled water discharges from reservoirs are managed to prevent overflow and dam failures, and warnings are issued to residents about potential flooding.
In the south, in the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong, heavy rain caused disruptions, including flooding, MTR exits closures, and suspended afternoon classes. For the first time this year, the weather bureau in Hong Kong issued the highest rain warning - the Black Rainstorm Signal. The alert was lowered after about two hours.
In response to the recent rainfall across the country, Chinese President Xi Jinping acknowledged significant losses and called for all efforts to ensure the safety of the population.
Historical data from 2023 to 2025 show these events causing dozens of deaths, mass evacuations, and critical disruptions to power and transportation. Chinese authorities emphasize the importance of improving early warning systems, infrastructure resilience, and emergency preparedness, urged at the highest political levels to minimize loss of life and damage.
References: [1] China Daily [2] South China Morning Post [3] CNN [4] BBC News
- Despite the general news of heavy rainstorms causing devastation in Beijing and Hebei, it is worth noting that the European Commission has also been consulted on the draft regulation on the implementation of the common fisheries policy.
- Meanwhile, weather forecasts predict potential showers and thunderstorms across several regions in the coming week.
