Over 30 killed and tens of thousands evacuated as torrential rains and landslides devastate northern China.

MIYUN, July 30 — Torrential rain has killed over 30 people and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands as widespread downpours triggered flooding and landslides across northern China, state media reported.

Authorities issued second-highest rainstorm alerts for Beijing, Hebei, Tianjin, and ten other provinces, with the rainfall expected to continue through Wednesday.

As of midnight Monday, 30 fatalities were reported in Beijing, with over 80,000 residents evacuated. Miyun, in the northeastern suburbs, recorded the highest death toll.

Floodwaters submerged roads, homes, and vehicles, particularly in Xinanzhuang village. Locals described the rainfall as unusually intense, with one resident noting it had disrupted daily life and work.

In Miyun Reservoir, water levels reached their highest since the dam’s construction in 1959, prompting emergency discharges. Northern Huairou and southwestern Fangshan districts were also severely affected.

Infrastructure damage included dozens of road closures and power outages in over 130 villages.

More than 10,000 people were also evacuated in Tianjin due to flash floods, while in Hebei, a landslide killed eight and left four missing.

The army has been deployed for relief operations, with soldiers delivering supplies, assisting evacuations, and clearing debris.

In Hebei’s Xinglong county, some villages remain unreachable due to mudslides and disrupted communications. More than 8,000 people were evacuated, with flash flood alerts extended into Tuesday night.

President Xi Jinping urged preparations for worst-case scenarios and emphasized relocating residents from high-risk areas. Around 490 million yuan has been allocated for relief across nine affected regions, including 200 million yuan for Beijing.

In 2023, over 80 deaths were recorded in similar weather events, with Hebei bearing the brunt of diverted floodwaters from Beijing.

China continues to face extreme weather linked to climate change, with intensified rainfall and disasters becoming more frequent amid the country’s dual role as the largest greenhouse gas emitter and a leading investor in renewable energy. — AFP