China: Severe flooding around Beijing

Streets flooded and many houses destroyed: Heavy rainfall caused severe damage in and around China's capital. According to state broadcaster CCTV, the north-eastern suburb of Miyun was particularly hard hit, with 28 victims reported. Two further deaths were reported in Yanqing in the north-west of the metropolis.

By midnight, more than 160 liters of rain per square meter had fallen in Beijing. In parts of Miyun, as much as 540 liters were recorded. The village of Taishitun in Miyun district is under water. The neighboring province of Hebei was also severely affected: at least eight people were killed in a landslide in Luanping county, and others are reported missing, according to media reports.

Uprooted trees blocked flooded streets in the small town of Taishitun, about 100 km northeast of Beijing's city centre. Residents had to navigate impassable roads littered with broken branches.

More than 80,000 people had to be evacuated due to flooding, including around 17,000 in Miyun district. According to reports, roads and parts of the communications infrastructure in the region were damaged. In addition, 136 villages in the capital region suffered power outages.

The water level of a reservoir in Miyun reached its highest level since its construction in 1959. Back then the authorities warned residents to expect rising water levels.

There is mud as far as the eye can see at this flooded market in Taishitun. During the summer months, China repeatedly suffers severe storms – often with deadly consequences. According to state media reports, more than 70 people have lost their lives since mid-May.

The recent storms around Beijing began at the weekend and led to the temporary closure of tourist infrastructure and the suspension of bus and train services. The weather service warned of further heavy rainfall in northern and eastern China. Heavy rain also caused disruption in Hong Kong.