Beijing has been plunged into chaos as relentless torrential rains triggered catastrophic flooding and deadly landslides, leaving emergency services in a race against time to rescue trapped residents.
Authorities confirmed multiple fatalities after surging floodwaters submerged roads and homes, while landslides buried vehicles under thick mud. Police and rescue teams worked through the night to evacuate stranded civilians as the capital grapples with one of its worst weather disasters in recent years.
Emergency Response Mobilised
Dramatic footage circulating online shows vehicles being swept away by powerful currents as rivers burst their banks across the city's outskirts. Emergency responders deployed boats and helicopters to reach people trapped in submerged buildings, with hospitals put on high alert for potential casualties.
Critical Infrastructure at Risk
The deluge has disrupted transport networks, with several major highways closed due to flooding. Meteorologists warn the crisis may worsen as more heavy rain is forecast for the coming days. "This is an exceptionally dangerous situation," stated a Beijing emergency services spokesperson. "We urge all residents to avoid unnecessary travel and follow official evacuation orders."
The disaster comes during Beijing's rainy season, which has grown increasingly severe in recent years due to climate change impacts. Urban planners now face tough questions about the city's flood defences as scientists predict more extreme weather events in future.
