Beijing experiences worst rainfall in over 140 years

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch
Aug 03, 2023 |
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In Fangshan, one of the Beijing districts hardest hit by flooding, soldiers, local officials, and villagers clean up the flood-stricken communities. Order has gradually been restored as the flood has subsided. Photo: China Daily

Beijing has experienced its worst rainfall in over 140 years due to the remnants of Typhoon Doksuri.

It turned streets into water-filled channels, and rescue teams had to use rubber boats to help stranded residents.

Between Saturday and Wednesday morning, the city saw 744.8 millimetres (29.3 inches) of rain, according to the Beijing Weather Bureau’s report.

The heavy rain resulted in major flooding in Beijing and the neighbouring Hebei province.


China Daily

Roads were destroyed, power supply was disrupted, and even drinking water pipelines were damaged.

The floodwaters rose high, damaging cars and even lifting some onto pedestrian bridges.

The number of confirmed deaths from the torrential rains around Beijing rose to 21 on Wednesday after the body of a rescuer was recovered.

At least 26 people remain missing according to a report by the Associated Press.

Among the hardest hit areas is Zhuozhou, a small city in Hebei province that borders Beijing’s southwest.

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch is a journalist, videographer and content producer, broadcasting from his independent news and production company in Christchurch, New Zealand. If you have a news tip or are interested in video content, email [email protected]

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