At least 30 people dead and 80,000 evacuated after heavy flooding in Beijing

The rainstorms have forced the relocation of more than 80,000 people across the greater Beijing area, as ITV News Asia Correspondent Debi Edward reports

At least 30 people have been confirmed dead following severe rainstorms and flooding in Beijing, Chinese authorities have confirmed.

The capital has been hit by several heavy rainstorms in recent days, prompting thousands to evacuate rural areas and causing widespread damage in the region.

Officials said 21 people drowned, many in underground facilities which suddenly filled with water and some in overflowing rivers.

Five people were electrocuted when power systems were compromised by floodwaters, and four others were killed when buildings collapsed.

Villagers carrying their belongings are evacuated in the Miyun district, on the outskirts of Beijing. / Credit: AP

The rainstorms have forced the relocation of more than 80,000 people across the greater Beijing.

In the Miyun district to the northeast of the city, authorities recorded a maximum rainfall of 543.4mm.

The storms have also severely impacted infrastructure, with power cuts reported in 136 villages, and at least 31 roads have been damaged, hampering rescue and relief efforts.

China’s national weather observatory on Tuesday continued to issue an orange alert – the second highest in the country’s four-tier warning system – for ongoing rainstorms.

President Xi Jinping called for “all-out efforts” to safeguard lives and property, describing the recent deluge across East, North, and Northeast China as having caused “significant casualties and property losses,” particularly in Beijing, Hebei, Jilin, and Shandong provinces.

Head of government Li Qiang echoed the urgency, noting that the floods in Miyun District had led to “heavy casualties.”

“We must make every effort to search and rescue the missing persons, properly resettle the affected people, and do our utmost to reduce casualties,” the leader said.

He called on flood control authorities to enhance monitoring of rivers, reservoirs, and urban drainage systems and to transfer people in danger zones as a precautionary measure.

In response to the disaster, China’s National Development and Reform Commission has pledged 200 million yuan (approximately £21 million) to support emergency relief efforts in Beijing.

Emergency teams remain on high alert as heavy rain continues in several parts of North China, raising fears of further floods and landslides in the coming days.