Authorities in Beijing have lifted the red rainstorm alert imposed on Monday, following torrential rains that forced the evacuation of over 82,000 residents. However, officials continue to urge vigilance as landslides and further natural disasters remain a risk.
According to the municipal weather office, the weather system weakened early Tuesday and began drifting eastward. Despite lifting the highest-level warning, authorities cautioned residents, particularly in outlying districts like Miyun, Fangshan, Mentougou, and Huairou, to stay alert for localized downpours and secondary hazards.
Floodwaters in hard-hit Miyun, where dozens died last week, have largely receded, revealing debris, damaged infrastructure, and abandoned vehicles. Clean-up efforts are ongoing, with emergency workers clearing wreckage in affected areas.
“Our knowledge of extreme weather was lacking,” admitted Yu Weiguo, Communist Party chief of Miyun, acknowledging failures in disaster preparedness.
At least 44 people died and nine remain missing in Beijing, following the earlier flood disaster, which caught many residents by surprise due to the speed and severity of the deluge.
The Chinese government has emphasized the need to restore order and public services swiftly, while also cautioning against the spread of misinformation that could incite panic.
Meanwhile, southern parts of China, including Hong Kong, continue to experience extreme rainfall, with China’s climate vulnerabilities once again in the spotlight. The country remains the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases but aims to become carbon-neutral by 2060.
Monsoon is coming vigorously in the East, ( India, China), many places are not ready for change. There are rivers, lakes that need firm protection