Beijing issues highest rainstorm alert a week after deadly deluge killed 44 and displaced thousands across several districts.
Flood warnings remain active in mountainous districts amid risks of landslides, flash floods and mudslides as rainfall continues.
WMO links rising rainfall intensity to climate change, citing warming seas and air driving extreme weather across East Asia.
Beijing on Red Alert a Week After Torrential Rains Kill 44 as Extreme Weather Intensifies
Red warning issued as Beijing braces for more rain; experts link deadly deluge to climate-driven weather extremes
Soldiers carry relief supplies for the trapped villagers passing by a road damaged by flood after heavy rains, in Miyun district on the outskirts of Beijing Image by Xinhua News Agency
Summary
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Authorities in Beijing issued rainstorm alert on August 4 after heavy downpours caused destruction in the Chinese capital over the past week, claiming at least 44 lives, according to Xinhua.
The city's meteorological service upgraded its rainstorm warning signal to red, the highest level in China's four-tier system, at 1 pm local time on August 4. The meteorological service also predicted a heavy rain across the city from noon through the morning of August 5.
Xinhua further reported that most parts of the city are expected to receive over 100 mm of rain within six hours, with some areas forecast to see more than 200 mm.
Meanwhile, the Beijing water authority and meteorological service have jointly issued flood warnings, highlighting Miyun District as highly vulnerable, with Fangshan, Mentougou and Huairou also at risk.
Several Beijing districts, including Shijingshan, Fengtai, Huairou, Fangshan and Mentougou, have issued red alerts for rainstorms, as mountainous areas in these districts face heightened risks of flash floods, mudslides and landslides.
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Residents are urged to seek shelter during thunderstorms, avoid driving on flooded roads, and stay clear of mountains and rivers.
The neighbouring Tianjin Municipality issued a yellow alert at 10:40 a.m., forecasting downpours and gales from Monday evening to night.
Torrential rains battered several parts of China over the weekend, causing road collapses and forcing evacuations.
Last week's intense rainstorms in Beijing claimed 44 lives, impacted over 300,000 residents, and damaged around 24,000 homes.
Rainfall Trends Raise Alarm
The deluge in Beijing over the past week indicates a broader surge in extreme weather across East Asia, which scientists increasingly attribute to climate change, according to BBC. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and climate experts have warned that rising sea and air temperatures are increasing atmospheric moisture—leading to more intense downpours across Asia, including China.
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“The State of the Climate in Asia report highlights the changes in key climate indicators such as surface temperature, glacier mass and sea level, which will have major repercussions for societies, economies and ecosystems in the region. Extreme weather is already exacting an unacceptably high toll,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.
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