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Beijing, 31 July 2025 – Torrential rains and severe flooding across northern China have killed at least 60 people over the past week, marking one of the deadliest flood disasters in the region in recent years. Among the fatalities were 31 elderly residents at a care home in Beijing’s Miyun district.
Catastrophic Impact in Miyun
The Taishitun Town Elderly Care Center, located on low-lying ground near a river, was overwhelmed by floodwaters on Monday. Of the 69 residents housed there, 55 were disabled in some capacity. Officials acknowledged that the facility had not been included in local emergency preparedness plans, calling the oversight a “bitter lesson”.
Record Rainfall and Infrastructure Damage
Miyun district recorded up to 573.5 mm of rainfall—nearly equivalent to Beijing’s annual average—causing rivers and reservoirs to overflow. The Qingshui River surged to 1,500 times its normal volume, contributing to the disaster. The Miyun Reservoir reached record-breaking water levels, absorbing up to 6,550 cubic meters of water per second.
Broader Regional Toll
In addition to the 44 deaths reported in Beijing, authorities confirmed 16 fatalities in Hebei province and at least eight in Chengde, where 18 people remain missing. Landslides and flash floods have devastated villages, damaged over 24,000 homes, 242 bridges, and nearly 470 miles of roads.
Climate and Policy Implications
Meteorologists have linked the extreme weather to climate change, raising concerns about infrastructure resilience and emergency planning. Officials noted that the flooding has disrupted factory activity and underscored the need for improved disaster response protocols.
Photo by Pok Rie: pexels.com
