Heavy Floods Across Northern China Kill at Least 30; Thousands Evacuated Amid Record Rainfall
Udumbara
Heavy rain pounded northern and central China, triggering landslides and floods that have killed at least 30 people, officials said on July 29.
The victims belonged to Beijing’s mountainous northern districts, with 28 in the district of Miyun and two in Yanqing, state media Xinhua reported. At least eight people were also confirmed to be missing following a landslide in Chengde City.
The real number of casualties may be understated as the Chinese regime has a history of suppressing information during disasters.
Swollen rivers, reservoirs, and waterways have flooded 41 rivers nationwide, according to state media, citing China’s Ministry of Water Resources. Flood warnings were issued for small and midsize rivers and mountain torrents.
According to Xinhua, 80,322 residents were relocated as the heavy rains hit.
The Miyun Reservoir reached a record peak inflow of 6,550 cubic meters per second (86.5 million gallons per minute) over the weekend, forcing urgent water discharge measures, according to the state media.
In one elderly care facility, residents were trapped as water neared roof level; rescuers swam in and used ropes to evacuate 48 people, state media reported.
More than 10,000 households have experienced power outages amid rising waters.
The storms hit regions including Beijing, Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Jilin, and Shandong—areas already facing flooding, landslides, and widespread damage.
In Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces, video from state media showed inundated roads and submerged crops. Shaanxi also issued flash flood warnings.
Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping stated there have been “significant casualties and property losses” in Beijing and provinces including Hebei, Jilin, and Shandong, urging national search-and-rescue efforts.
The National Development and Reform Commission has allocated 50 million yuan (US$7 million) to support infrastructure restoration in Hebei—targeting roads, bridges, water embankments, schools, and hospitals.
Hebei elevated its emergency response to the second-highest level on Monday, and Beijing activated its top-tier flood alert.
Northern China has endured record rainfall in recent years, exposing flood vulnerabilities in dense urban zones like Beijing.
