Xi orders 'all-out search & rescue' after extreme heavy rainfall kills at least 30 in Beijing

China's President Xi Jinping has urged all-out efforts to ensure the safety of people's lives and property, following continuous extreme heavy rainfall which has killed at least 30 in Beijing.

Extreme heavy rainfall

According to China Daily, as of midnight on Jul. 28, Beijing recorded an average precipitation of 165.9 millimetres.

The heaviest rainfall was reported in the northeastern Miyun district, with Langfangyu and Zhujiayu experiencing a peak of 534.4 millimetres.

The average annual rainfall in Beijing is around 600 millimetres.

The highest precipitation intensity was observed in Dongyu, Huairou district, where 95.3 millimetres of rain fell between 10pm and 11pm on Jul. 26.

The extreme weather has led to 30 deaths, 28 in the Miyun district and two in the northwestern district of Yanqing.

Severe damage to infrastructure

Xinhua news agency reported that 31 road sections have been damaged and the power supply in 136 villages has been disrupted as a result of the rain.

A total of 80,332 people have been relocated across the city.

China has a four-tier weather warning system, ranking warnings from most to least severe as follows: red, orange, yellow and blue.

On Jul. 28, local authorities issued several red and orange alerts for mountain floods and geological disaster risks across parts of Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Liaoning and Heilongjiang.

Authorities have also warned the public to avoid fast-flowing river sections.

Xi urges all-out efforts

On Jul. 28, Xi called for all-out efforts to protect lives and property amid the ongoing floods and geological disasters caused by the heavy rainfall, according to the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

He underscored the urgent need for search and rescue operations for those missing or trapped, and stressed the prompt relocation of residents in high-risk areas.

He also emphasised the thorough implementation of flood control measures, including monitoring and reinforcing vulnerable zones and deploying resources based on scientific assessment.

Premier Li Qiang also urged national flood control authorities to support local governments in strengthening their emergency responses.

He highlighted the importance of reinforcing extreme weather monitoring, thorough inspection and assessment of river embankments and reservoirs, as well as better identification of urban water-logging risks.

According to Xinhua, the all-out rescue efforts are currently underway.

Top photo via China Daily/Facebook