Anna Hartz
Trapped by Rain: Beijing’s Flood Crisis Deepens
Floods are becoming more common and more dangerous in many parts of the world.
Heavier rainfalls, unpredictable storms, and outdated infrastructure make it harder for cities to cope.
In China, that challenge has reached a breaking point. This week, Beijing was hit by its worst flooding in more than a decade, reports Ziare.
Many Caught in Rising Water
On Monday, officials in Beijing issued a high alert for six districts. These included Mentougou, Fangshan, Fengtai, Shijingshan, Huairou, and Changping.
The warning followed days of heavy rain. People were told to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Authorities warned that flash floods and landslides could happen with little warning.
Just days earlier, at least 44 people died during severe flooding in the area. Many of the victims were caught in rising water at a nursing home in Miyun, a district in the city’s northeast.
The situation raised serious questions about how prepared Beijing is for extreme weather. Emergency systems failed to protect the most vulnerable.
Beijing Especially at Risk
China’s capital is especially at risk because of its geography. Mountains to the west and north can trap moisture.
When heavy rain comes, it often stays over the city and drops large amounts of water in a short time. Some residents reported water rising over a meter in just 10 minutes.
This isn’t the first time Beijing has seen disaster like this. In 2012, floods killed 79 people. Fangshan District was hit hardest back then too. Now, once again, it’s one of the areas facing the worst damage.
The danger isn’t limited to Beijing. In the southern province of Guangdong, five people were found dead after being swept away by floodwaters. Over 1,300 rescue workers had searched for them since Friday.
China is now being forced to reckon with stronger storms and heavier rains. Officials say they are working to improve emergency responses.
But many citizens are asking why those systems failed when they were needed most.
