Severe Floods Kill 38, Evacuate 80,000 in Beijing, Hebei, Tianjin

Beijing and its surrounding regions, including Hebei and Tianjin, have been devastated by severe storms and extreme rainfall, resulting in at least 38 deaths and displacing over 80,000 residents. The Miyun district, northeast of Beijing, experienced some of the worst flooding with 28 fatalities, submerged homes, and widespread destruction, highlighting the area’s vulnerability due to its mountainous geography which exacerbated the flooding. The unprecedented rainfall, reaching up to 54 centimeters in some areas, overwhelmed infrastructure, disrupted transportation, and forced the closure of key tourist destinations, prompting a top-level emergency response and evacuation efforts. Residents have faced catastrophic losses, with many homes and vehicles destroyed, and rescue teams continue to work amid communication breakdowns in affected areas such as Luanping county in Hebei. Experts attribute the severity of the storm partly to climate change and emphasize the urgent need for improved urban planning and disaster management systems to better prepare for such extreme weather events. Authorities have issued travel advisories cautioning tourists to avoid affected areas while recovery and relief operations are underway.