Northern China Floods Kill at Least 60 People
Severe rainfall in northern China has claimed the lives of at least 60 people over the past week. The worst-hit areas include the outskirts of Beijing and parts of Hebei province. Among the dead were 31 elderly residents at a care home in Taishitun town in Miyun district, where authorities admitted evacuation plans failed to include the facility.
Death Toll and Rescue Efforts
Beijing reported 44 deaths, while 16 more fatalities were confirmed in Hebei. At least 9 individuals remain missing. Rescue operations are still ongoing in affected towns and rural areas, where landslides and flash floods swept through homes and infrastructure.
Flood Response Faces Criticism
Local officials admitted serious lapses in disaster preparedness. The Miyun district had not been classified as a high-risk zone, and the local leadership acknowledged underestimating the threat. The incident has sparked public anger and calls for improved early warning systems.
Widespread Damage and Displacement
The flooding destroyed more than 24,000 homes and damaged over 240 bridges and hundreds of kilometers of roads. Over 300,000 people have been affected, with 80,000 already relocated to safer areas. Several villages experienced extended power outages, and road access remains limited in hilly regions.
Climate Concerns and Government Response
Experts have linked the intense rainfall to climate change, warning that such weather events are becoming more frequent. Authorities are assessing the economic damage, which includes disrupted transport, factory closures, and supply chain delays. President Xi Jinping has urged local governments to strengthen response systems and improve safety protocols to avoid repeat tragedies.
