Deadly Downpours Devastate Beijing, Forcing Mass Evacuations

In the past few days, heavy rain has pummeled the Chinese capital of Beijing and surrounding regions, leading to a devastating humanitarian crisis. According to state media, at least 30 people have been killed as a result of the extreme weather, with the hardest-hit area being the suburban district of Miyun northeast of the city center.

Authorities have been forced to evacuate a staggering 80,000 people from flood-threatened areas, as the intense downpours have caused widespread damage. Power lines have been swept away by muddy currents, leaving over 130 villages without electricity. Firefighters have also rescued dozens of people trapped in an elderly care center.

The severe weather has not been limited to Beijing, with the neighboring provinces of Hebei, Jilin, and Shandong also experiencing heavy rainfall and flooding. In Hebei, a landslide in a village near the city of Chengde killed four people, with eight still missing. Similar incidents have been reported in other parts of northern and northeastern China, where heavy rain last year claimed the lives of over 80 people.

As the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of these extreme weather events, the Chinese government has called for "all-out efforts" to ensure the safety and well-being of affected residents. The country's president, Xi Jinping, has urged authorities to plan for worst-case scenarios and prioritize the relocation of people in flood-prone areas.