Home Science Beijing rains heaviest since records began 140 years ago

Beijing rains heaviest since records began 140 years ago

A man looks at a damaged car following heavy rains in Fangshan district in Beijing
A man looks at a damaged car following heavy rains in Fangshan district in Beijing.

Recent heavy rains in Beijing, China, have been identified as the most intense on record, according to the Beijing Meteorological Service. These downpours have surpassed any previous rainfall in the city’s 140-year recorded history. As cleanup efforts begin, it is important to consider the impact of these extreme weather events, which scientists believe are influenced by climate change. It is estimated that millions of people worldwide have been affected by similar events in recent weeks.

The Beijing Meteorological Service reported that the maximum amount of rainfall recorded during this storm was 744.8 millimeters, exceeding the previous record of 609 millimeters set in 1891. Tragically, these heavy rains have resulted in at least 11 deaths, with several individuals still missing.

The flooding has not been limited to Beijing alone, as neighboring Hebei province has also been severely affected. Areas such as Fangshan district, located on the border between Beijing and Hebei, have experienced extensive flooding, leading to great danger and damage. The situation has prompted the deployment of military and emergency response teams to assist in rescue efforts.

China has been facing a series of extreme weather events, with Storm Doksuri causing widespread damage before reaching Beijing. The heavy rainfall recorded in just 40 hours surpassed the average rainfall for the entire month of July. State media has warned that approximately 130 million people across northern China may be affected by these intense rainfall patterns.

Beijing floods and downpours
Map of Beijing showing districts badly affected by flooding after heavy rains, as of August 1.

The relief operation has become a priority as the rainfall subsides. The Chinese Red Cross has dispatched hundreds of rescue workers to help with the cleanup and evacuation efforts in the affected areas. Unfortunately, casualties have already been reported, with two individuals losing their lives during rescue operations in Beijing and further casualties in Hebei and Liaoning provinces.

The President of China, Xi Jinping, has called for all-out efforts to rescue those who are still missing or trapped by the storm. The focus now is on saving lives and minimizing the impact of these extreme weather events. Additionally, the country remains on high alert as Typhoon Khanun approaches the eastern coast of China.

© 2023 AFP

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Beijing rains heaviest since records began 140 years ago (2023, August 2)
retrieved 2 August 2023
from https://phys.org/news/2023-08-beijing-heaviest-began-years.html

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