Beijing, China – Record-breaking rainfall and devastating floods continue to wreak havoc in northern regions of China as Typhoon Doksuri moved inland, disrupting the lives of millions. At least 10 people were killed in Hebei province, near Beijing, due to the unprecedented floods, according to officials on Saturday.
The relentless rainfall in Beijing has been the heaviest in at least 140 years, with the remnants of Typhoon Doksuri bringing excessive rain, as reported by the weather agency. The situation in the Muling River in northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, known as the nation’s “great northern granary,” has reached a critical point with rising water levels reaching the warning mark.
As of Saturday morning, approximately 1.54 million people have been evacuated from Hebei province, as per Xinhua News Agency. The aftermath of one of the strongest storms in years is putting China’s disaster relief systems to the test, as rescue operations and evacuation efforts are in full swing.
The heavy rain that began last weekend overwhelmed drainage systems in Beijing, leading to suspended school classes and power disruptions in certain areas. Despite being relatively unaffected by Typhoon Khanun, which hit Japan and caused extensive home damage and power outages on Okinawa and other islands, China is now facing the devastating impacts of Typhoon Doksuri.
In Harbin, the largest city in Heilongjiang province, approximately 54,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes due to flooding, with rescue teams utilizing 81 boats to assist in the evacuation process. Authorities in Beijing have issued warnings about potential sinkholes and mudslides in certain outer districts like Fangshan and Mentougou.
To manage the flooding, officials in Hebei province, bordering Beijing, took measures such as activating flood gates and spillways in seven low-lying flood control zones. This was done to prevent rivers and reservoirs in Beijing and Tianjin from overflowing and exacerbating the situation.
The district of Mentougou, located on the western outskirts of Beijing, was hit hardest around the capital, leaving residents to clean up mud and debris from their homes in the aftermath of the devastating floods.
In Bazhou city, Hebei, authorities expressed gratitude to residents for evacuating their homes, especially in an area where floodwaters were diverted for storage. A review for disaster compensation for damaged agricultural production and housing is set to take place once the floodwaters recede.
China has faced its share of devastating floods in the past, with the deadliest floods occurring in 1998, resulting in 4,150 deaths, primarily along the Yangtze River. In 2021, over 300 people lost their lives in floods in the central province of Henan. The ongoing floods have once again tested the nation’s resilience and response to natural disasters, calling for immediate and efficient measures to protect lives and property.
As the situation remains critical, authorities are working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of the floods and provide aid to those affected. The Chinese people are once again showing their strength and unity in the face of nature’s fury, hoping to overcome this latest calamity and rebuild their lives.
Sources By Agencies