Beijing Braces for Disaster as Record Rainfall Sparks Widespread Flooding and Mass Evacuations
Between July 23 and July 29, 2025, Beijing and northern China experienced an unprecedented deluge, with rainfall in some areas exceeding 543 mm—nearly a full year’s worth condensed into just days . Miyun district, located to the northeast of the capital, received the worst impact, recording the heaviest totals and becoming the region’s most severely affected zone
At least 38 people have died, including 31 elderly residents trapped in a low‑lying nursing home in Miyun that rapidly flooded while the facility was excluded from evacuation plans . Another fatal landslide struck Hebei province, while Shanxi reported deaths after a minibus was swept away . In total, 70+ fatalities have been reported across northern China as the storm system stalled over the region .
In response, authorities evacuated over 80,000 residents from high‑risk areas across Beijing and surrounding provinces. Roughly 136 villages lost electrical power, while roads and communications were disrupted across 130+ rural communities . Transportation was severely affected: hundreds of flights and multiple train services were canceled or delayed amid rising floodwaters and safety concerns .
Miyun Reservoir, Beijing’s largest, swelled to its highest level since 1959. Officials released water pre-emptively—times often just 30 minutes before flooding downstream—leading to criticism over preparedness and decision-making protocols . Beijing’s municipal flood control center activated its red alert, the top level, shutting schools, halting construction, and banning outdoor tourism and activities until the crisis subsides.
Residents described the crisis as sudden and overwhelming. In Miyun, floodwaters surged to 1–2 meters, inundating shops, homes, and streets in minutes. One woman described submerged refrigerators and ruined stock, estimating losses upwards of 100,000 yuan (~US $14,000) . In Xiwanzi Village, 100 people were moved to a school for shelter as roads and embankments gave way .
President Xi Jinping ordered “all‑out” search and rescue efforts, mobilizing military and local emergency units, while Premier Li Qiang underscored the need to avoid additional casualties. Beijing’s Deputy Mayor confirmed at least 44 deaths over the week, and preliminary assessments estimate more than 24,000 homes damaged, 242 bridges collapsed, and almost 470 miles (756 km) of roads affected .
Central authorities have allocated 550 million yuan (~US $76 million) for flood relief, including funds from the Ministry of Finance and Development and Reform Commission . Despite a lull in rainfall by July 29, forecasts warn heavy showers may resume in the coming days, prompting continued alerts in 11 provinces
Experts attribute the deluge to intensified monsoon patterns likely exacerbated by climate change, noting that storms in China’s normally arid north are becoming more frequent and destructive
In summary, Beijing is grappling with one of its worst flooding disasters in over a century. Tens of thousands evacuated, entire districts cut off, and critical infrastructure damaged—all amid mounting pressure to reassess flood preparedness and infrastructure resilience.
