Level I Emergency Declared Amidst Red Alert for Intense Rainfall and Flood Risks

Beijing has activated a level I emergency response for flood control throughout the city, prompted by the upgrade of the rainstorm warning to red, the highest alert level. This action follows a week of severe weather in the capital. The city anticipates heavy rainfall, with the most intense period expected from Monday evening to Tuesday morning.

The municipal flood control headquarters has implemented the level I emergency response citywide. Residents are urged to prioritize safety. Specific areas, including the Chaobai River and its management zones in several districts, have also initiated the level I response. The rest of the city is under a level II flood control emergency response.

The Beijing Meteorological Service forecasts heavy rainfall across most areas from Monday afternoon to Tuesday morning. Hourly precipitation could exceed 70 mm, with six-hour totals potentially surpassing 100 mm. Some districts may experience even higher rainfall amounts, with isolated areas possibly exceeding 200 mm within a six-hour period. Mountainous and hilly regions face a significant risk of flash floods, mudslides, and landslides, while low-lying areas are vulnerable to waterlogging.

This emergency response follows earlier rainstorms from July 23 to 29, which resulted in 44 fatalities and nine missing persons. The Miyun district, heavily impacted by the previous rainfall, anticipates further precipitation. Local authorities emphasize the saturated water-holding capacity of the region and the uncertainties this poses for flood control. Departments are instructed to prioritize the safety of residents and to conduct flood control, disaster relief, and recovery efforts efficiently.

Residents are taking precautions. One resident reported that their company allowed employees to leave early due to the red alert. Another resident noted the closure of a local park. Under the red alert, outdoor activities are discouraged, and non-essential employees are not required to work. Cultural, tourism, and sports events are suspended, and schools and training institutions must cancel in-person activities. The Beijing Hydrological Station has issued a blue flood warning, advising residents to avoid riverbanks.