Beijing Activates Highest Flood Emergency Response in Nine Districts

Nine districts in Beijing imposed a Level I flood control emergency response on Saturday afternoon after a red alert was issued for heavy rain. The Beijing Meteorological Observatory forecast that torrential rain would hit the districts of Fangshan, Pinggu, Miyun, Huairou, Mentougou, Fengtai, Daxing, Tongzhou, and Shunyi from Saturday evening through Sunday morning. Some areas are expected to record cumulative rainfall exceeding 150 mm within six hours or more than 200 mm within 24 hours. The city’s emergency management office warned of a high risk of flooding in medium and small rivers, flash floods, and geological hazards in mountainous and hilly areas, as well as waterlogging in low-lying regions. As authorities intensified flood control efforts, more than 104,000 residents across the city had been evacuated by Saturday afternoon. Additionally, 73 elderly care facilities were temporarily closed and 1,902 senior citizens were relocated, according to the Beijing Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters. As a preventive measure, 188 tourist attractions and 167 campsites were shut, operations at 4,376 rural homestays were suspended, and construction work at 3,318 sites was halted. A total of 27,548 rescue personnel were placed on standby across the city to respond to potential emergencies.