Beijing Warns of Heavy Rainfall and Flood Risks Amid Recent Flooding Tragedies

August 4, 2025

Beijing: Beijing has issued the highest alert across most of its hilly districts in anticipation of heavy rainfall on Monday, advising residents to avoid unnecessary travel as the city prepares for potential flooding. This warning follows a series of devastating floods that have claimed dozens of lives in recent days, marking the deadliest floods to hit the Chinese capital since 2012.

Forecasters predict that up to 200 millimeters (7.9 inches) of rain could fall within a six-hour period starting midday, exacerbating flood risks in a city already accustomed to heavy annual rainfall—averaging around 600 millimeters.

The recent tragedies include at least 44 fatalities, the majority of whom were trapped by rapidly rising waters at a nursing home in Miyun district on the city’s northeastern outskirts. The fatalities prompted authorities to acknowledge shortcomings in their emergency response plans for extreme weather events.

As of Monday, six of Beijing’s sixteen districts—Mentougou, Fangshan, Fengtai, Shijingshan, Huairou, and Changping—are on the highest alert level. All these areas are located in mountainous regions to the west and north of the city, where the risk of flash floods and landslides is considered to be “extremely high.”

Historically, Beijing’s unique topography has contributed to its vulnerability, with mountains to the west and north often trapping moist air and intensifying rainfall. The 2012 flooding, which resulted in 79 deaths, remains the city’s deadliest flooding event, with Fangshan district worst affected by sudden rises in floodwaters—measuring 1.3 meters in just ten minutes at the time.

In addition to Beijing’s warnings, heavy rains in Guangdong province over the weekend led to the recovery of five bodies after they were swept away by floodwaters. More than 1,300 rescuers participated in the large-scale search operation to locate those missing.

Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions closely, urging residents in vulnerable areas to stay alert and prioritize safety during this intense weather period.