Cairo: Hani Kamal El-Din
A state of emergency has been declared in Beijing after catastrophic floods overwhelmed China’s capital following days of relentless rainfall that began on July 24. The Ministry of Water Resources announced an emergency response level, as record-breaking water inflows pushed reservoirs beyond safe limits, killed at least two people, and forced the evacuation of thousands.
The situation is being described as one of the most extreme weather events in the region’s recent history, with meteorologists and emergency officials warning of further landslides, infrastructure collapses, and life-threatening water surges in low-lying districts.
Miyun Reservoir Records Highest Water Inflow Since 1964
The Miyun Reservoir, located in northeastern Beijing, has witnessed a historic surge in water levels—the highest since its establishment in 1964. Emergency flood gates were activated to prevent dam failure, and nearby residents were placed on high alert for potential breaches or structural risks.
The Ministry has called on local governments to intensify monitoring and rapidly disseminate risk alerts to the population, warning that urban and rural districts alike are vulnerable to a second wave of flooding due to saturated ground and unstable terrain.
Lives Lost, Thousands Displaced as Floodwaters Spread
The heavy rainfall has already claimed two lives, and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents, particularly in mountainous and suburban districts. Emergency services are working around the clock to rescue those trapped by rising waters, with helicopters, boats, and military support mobilized.
Authorities have confirmed widespread disruption to power grids and telecommunications, leaving entire communities cut off. Hospitals and shelters have been overwhelmed, and the city’s transit infrastructure—including subways and highways—has been crippled in some areas.
Worst-Hit Areas: Fuping, Miyun, and Baoding
Three regions surrounding Beijing have been identified as the epicenters of the crisis:
-
Fuping County: Recorded rainfall reached 145mm per hour, causing flash floods and devastating road collapses.
-
Miyun County: Over 3,000 residents were evacuated, with electricity and communication systems knocked offline as waters surged.
-
Baoding City: Suffered a staggering 540mm of rainfall in one night—equivalent to a full year’s average. An estimated 46,000 people were affected, with 4,655 evacuated to temporary shelters amid rising flood levels.
Beijing Faces the New Reality of Climate-Driven Extremes
Experts warn that this is not a one-time disaster, but a signal of a climate pattern shift in East Asia. With global temperatures climbing, China’s urban centers are becoming increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events like torrential rainfall, heatwaves, and sudden floods.
This incident adds to a growing list of climate-related disasters in China and raises urgent questions about urban resilience, infrastructure readiness, and the need for early warning systems.
Daily Life Disrupted: Schools, Flights, and Transit Suspended
Entire sectors of the city have been shut down. Schools suspended operations, hundreds of flights were canceled, and metro lines in flood-prone areas were halted. Emergency shelters have been activated, and relief efforts are underway to distribute food, water, and medical care.
China’s Ministry of Education advised all institutions in affected zones to transition to remote learning until further notice, while the national health commission mobilized rapid response teams to prevent post-flood outbreaks.
Global Response and Domestic Solidarity
International organizations, including the United Nations, expressed solidarity with China, offering logistical support and crisis management expertise. Chinese tech firms launched emergency platforms offering free data and mobile access for those in flood-affected areas.
Social media platforms in China exploded with videos of submerged highways, flooded apartment blocks, and citizens helping neighbors out of danger. The public has hailed first responders and volunteers who put themselves at risk to save lives and restore basic services.
Another Wave Coming? Authorities Warn of Continued Rainfall
China’s National Meteorological Center has not ruled out the possibility of further severe rainfall in the coming days. New precipitation systems are forming over northern provinces, increasing the likelihood of a second wave of flooding.
Citizens have been urged to remain indoors, avoid riverbanks and underpasses, and keep emergency supplies ready. The Ministry has emphasized the importance of staying updated with verified alerts and cooperating with evacuation orders.
