Torrential rains have unleashed chaos in Beijing, submerging streets, disrupting transport, and forcing thousands to flee their homes as floodwaters surged through the Chinese capital.
Emergency teams worked through the night to evacuate residents from low-lying areas after rivers overflowed their banks, turning major thoroughfares into raging torrents. The city's drainage systems were overwhelmed by what meteorologists are calling a once-in-a-decade deluge.
Critical Infrastructure Under Threat
Key transport hubs faced severe disruption as subway stations flooded and flights were delayed at Beijing's international airport. Power outages were reported across several districts, with emergency generators being deployed to hospitals and other critical facilities.
"The speed at which the waters rose took everyone by surprise," said one rescue worker. "We're seeing water levels we haven't witnessed in years."
Mass Evacuations Underway
Authorities have established temporary shelters in schools and community centres, with over 10,000 residents relocated to safety. Social media footage showed rescue teams using inflatable boats to reach stranded families in suburban neighbourhoods.
The Beijing Meteorological Bureau issued its highest-level rain alert, warning residents to avoid unnecessary travel as more storms are forecast. "This is an exceptionally dangerous situation," a bureau spokesperson told reporters.
Climate Change Concerns Mount
Scientists are linking the extreme weather event to broader climate patterns, noting that Beijing has experienced increasingly volatile rainfall in recent years. Urban planners are facing tough questions about the city's flood defences as such events become more frequent.
With cleanup operations expected to take weeks and economic losses mounting, the floods serve as a stark reminder of nature's power in one of the world's most populous cities.
