Xi Jinping Mobilizes Rescue Efforts as Deadly Floods Devastate Northern China

In the wake of recent torrential rains and flooding across northern China, President Xi Jinping has issued a directive calling for all-out search and rescue efforts, as well as the immediate relocation of those in danger. The severe storms have led to significant casualties and property losses in Beijing, Hebei, Jilin, and Shandong provinces.

Xi, who also serves as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has emphasized the need for solid efforts in all aspects of flood prevention, emergency rescue, and disaster relief. He has stressed that no effort should be spared in searching for and rescuing the missing or trapped, transferring and resettling affected residents, and reducing casualties to the greatest extent possible.

Premier Li Qiang has also ordered that every effort be made to search for the missing, properly resettle those affected, and do everything possible to minimize further loss of life. The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has been tasked with guiding local governments in enhancing disaster preparedness and improving early warning systems.

In response to the ongoing heavy rainfall, Beijing has issued its first red alert of the year for rainstorms, with authorities warning of the heightened risk of secondary disasters such as flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging. The capital city has initiated a top-level flood emergency response, suspending in-person classes and advising nonessential businesses to implement remote working.

As of Monday evening, more than 6,400 residents in Miyun district, over 6,700 residents in Pinggu district, and over 10,400 residents in Huairou district of Beijing had been evacuated. The National Commission for Disaster Reduction has also activated an emergency relief response and sent a working team to assess the damage and support local rescue efforts.