China's capital hit with heavy rain alert after deadly floods. Image credit: CNN
(The Post News)- Beijing has issued its highest-level alert for rainstorms, warning of potential flash floods and landslides. The city’s weather service has forecasted heavy rain, with some areas expected to receive up to 200mm of rainfall. Authorities have advised citizens to stay indoors unless necessary, citing an extremely high risk of natural disasters in mountain areas.
This warning comes after deadly floods swept through parts of the capital last week, killing at least 44 people and leaving nine missing. The floods were particularly devastating in the northern suburbs, where an elderly care center was hit, resulting in 31 fatalities. Local officials have acknowledged gaps in disaster preparedness, with one official issuing a rare apology for the under-preparedness.
The heavy rainfall has also affected other parts of northern China, with tens of thousands of people evacuated. Residents in flood-hit areas have expressed surprise at the rapid onset of the flooding, which quickly inundated homes and devastated villages.
The city water authority has identified areas highly vulnerable to flooding, including Miyun, Fangshan, Mentougou, and Huairou districts. China is prone to natural disasters, especially during the summer months when heavy rain and searing heat can have devastating consequences.
As the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, China is also working to become carbon-neutral by 2060 and is a leading player in renewable energy. Despite this, the country still faces significant challenges in mitigating the impact of climate change, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and intense.
The recent floods in Beijing serve as a stark reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for effective emergency response measures. As the city and surrounding areas continue to recover from the devastating impact of the floods, authorities are working to improve their response to future natural disasters.
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