BEIJING – Authorities in northern China have issued warnings that heavy rain could lead to floods and landslides starting on July 24, prompting the country’s second-highest flood response alert.
China is experiencing a summer of extreme weather, with heavy rains anticipated across the east and south while much of the north endures successive heatwaves. After several days of temperatures exceeding 35°C in Beijing, city officials activated the second-highest flood-prevention response on July 24.
According to a statement on the city’s official WeChat app, up to 150mm of rain is expected to drench parts of the capital, which is home to around 22 million people, within a 24-hour period between July 24 and the evening of July 25. The downpours have the potential to “trigger mountain torrents, mudslides, landslips, and other secondary disasters,” the statement added.
City authorities have temporarily closed some tourist sites and mountain and riverside hostels for safety reasons. Beijing residents received text messages advising them to reduce outdoor activities, avoid hilly or riverside areas, and stay informed about places of shelter.
In neighboring Hebei province, which surrounds Beijing and has a population of over 70 million, authorities also issued warnings about potential flooding, according to state news agency Xinhua. The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters of China cautioned about a “high risk” of natural disasters resulting from the heavy rain.
In addition to the rain warnings, eastern Zhejiang and Fujian provinces are bracing for Typhoon Gaemi, expected to make landfall on July 25. Authorities issued a red storm alert for the typhoon, and Fujian province has suspended all train services for that day. Local media, citing officials, reported that coastal areas could face waves between 4m and 6m high.
The approaching typhoon has already led to school closures and a typhoon holiday declaration in Taiwan. Recent flash floods in northern and southwestern China have claimed at least 20 lives over the weekend. In May, a southern China highway collapse after days of rain resulted in 48 deaths.
China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases driving climate change, faces increasing extreme weather events. Despite its heavy reliance on coal, China has pledged to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2060. The country is also the largest producer of renewable energy, with recent research showing that China is building almost twice as much solar and wind power capacity as the rest of the world combined.