Heavy rains and floods in Beijing have killed at least 30 people, forcing thousands to evacuate. In response, the Chinese government has expanded social security support to help those affected.
The ongoing intense rainstorms and flooding have claimed at least 30 lives in Beijing as heavy rains lashed the Chinese capital on July 29, according to Xinhua.
The report further stated that the local authorities said that among the deaths occurred in Beijing’s mountainous northern districts, 28 were killed in Miyun and two were killed in Yanqing.
“The latest round of heavy rainstorms has left 30 people dead in Beijing as of midnight Monday,” Xinhua said, citing the city’s municipal flood control headquarters.
Onset of Incessant Downpour
Heavy downpour started on July 23 and peaked around Beijing and surrounding provinces on July 28, with Miyun recording up to 573.5 mm (22.6 inches) of rainfall and with Beijing recording rainfall of up to 543mm (21.3 inches)—levels local media described as “extremely destructive”, reported Xinhua and Reuters.
Torrential rain started over the weekend and intensified around the Chinese capital and surrounding provinces on Monday, with Beijing recording rainfall of up to 543mm (21.3 inches) in its northern districts, Xinhua said.
More than 80,000 residents have been relocated from Beijing alone, which has damaged 31 road sections and disrupted the power supply to at least 136 villages.
According to reports, authorities ordered the release of water from a reservoir in Beijing’s rural Miyun district, which was at its highest level since it was built in 1959.
Besides, locals are being cautioned to maintain distance from rivers downstream as their levels rose and as more heavy rain is forecast.
Chinese President Xi Jinping late on Monday night ordered “all-out” search and rescue efforts to minimise casualties, as authorities ordered people to stay indoors, closed schools, suspended construction work and stopped outdoor tourism and other activities until the emergency warning is lifted.
Relief Reforms Gain Traction
The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) dispatched a working group to Miyun district in Beijing to carry out disaster relief efforts on July 29, reported China Daily.
Based on reports of heavy rain and flooding situation from its Beijing branch, the RCSC launched a special emergency response on Monday, dispatching 2,000 family relief packages to disaster-stricken areas to assist local Red Cross organisations in relocating and resettling affected residents, said the organisation.
As per a June 28 report by Reuters, China’s response to the deluge has been extended beyond rescues.
According to revised rules on compensation related to flood diversions released late on June 27, the Chinese central government will now bear 70% of all compensation funds, with local governments responsible for the rest. Previously, the ratio was to be decided based on actual economic losses and the fiscal situation of local governments.
The compensation scheme will also include livestock losses and agricultural damages for the first time. These policy changes aim to ease hardship in affected provinces to provide support in disaster-prone regions.
