Beijing Underwater: Heaviest Rainfall in 140 Years Sparks Severe Flooding and Devastation

China's capital, Beijing, has experienced its heaviest rainfall in 140 years, with record-breaking levels of rainfall reaching 744.8 millimeters (29.3 inches) between Saturday and Wednesday morning. The heavy rains were caused by the remnants of Typhoon Doksuri, which moved north after impacting southern Chinese provinces. As a result of the torrential downpour, northern China has been grappling with severe flooding. Floodwaters have inundated the streets of Beijing, turning them into canals.

Emergency crews have been using rubber boats to rescue stranded residents. The flooding has caused widespread destruction, including the destruction of roads, power outages, and damage to drinking water pipes. In some areas, the water levels have risen to dangerous levels, submerging cars and lifting others onto pedestrian bridges. The death toll from the heavy rains has risen to 21, with an additional 26 people reported missing.

Among the hardest-hit areas is Zhuozhou, a small city in Hebei province that borders Beijing. Residents in Zhuozhou have been trapped in their homes without water, gas, or electricity since Tuesday afternoon. Rescue teams from other provinces have been dispatched to assist with evacuations. The record-breaking rainfall has prompted calls for a review of city planning in flood-prone areas. Ma Jun, the director of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, emphasized the need to avoid constructing large-scale infrastructure in low-lying areas. The severity of the flooding has highlighted the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.

The heavy rains from Typhoon Doksuri may not be the last, as Typhoon Khanun, which recently hit Japan, is expected to head towards China later in the week. The central government has allocated 44 million yuan ($6.1 million) for disaster relief in affected provinces. The unexpected and unprecedented scale of the flooding has taken Beijing by surprise, considering the city typically experiences dry summers. The record-breaking rainfall serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and adaptation in the face of increasingly extreme weather events.