Widespread flooding in Beijing caused by storm Doksuri

Widespread Flooding in Beijing Caused by Storm Doksuri

Storm Doksuri has caused widespread flooding in Beijing, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people, according to Chinese state media. The heavy rainfall has persisted for four consecutive days, with rivers reaching dangerous levels and prompting the use of a flood storage reservoir for the first time in 25 years. As a result, over 100 mountain roads have been closed and more than 52,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. Although Doksuri has weakened as it moved inland, authorities are warning of the continued risk of floods and other geological disasters. Beijing and the neighboring areas are expected to experience localized thunderstorms and strong winds. The city's subway lines, including those in the western suburbs, have been suspended, and significant damage has been reported in Mentougou district, where torrential rains turned roads into rivers and swept away cars. A military unit has launched an "airdrop rescue mission" to deliver food and ponchos to people stranded in and around a train station in Mentougou. CCTV has also reported that several buses have been partially submerged in floodwater in the southwest neighborhood of Fangshan.

Record-breaking Rainfall in Beijing

The rainfall in Beijing over the past few days has exceeded records from a severe storm 11 years ago, with the city government stating that it has received the largest amount of rainfall since the founding of modern China. In Hebei province, south of Beijing, precipitation has been recorded at over 1,003mm in a three-day period, surpassing the average annual rainfall for the county.

Preparations for Typhoon Khanun

The country is now preparing for the arrival of another typhoon, Khanun, as it approaches China's east coast.