Tragedy has struck as China grapples with severe weather conditions leading to flooding across various regions. Beijing, the country’s capital, has been particularly hard hit, experiencing its heaviest rainfall on record. The deluge has left a trail of destruction, with officials confirming thirty-three deaths and eighteen people still missing due to the floods.

The record downpours have caused infrastructure damage, submerged parts of the city’s suburbs, and impacted surrounding areas. The situation in Beijing has worsened over recent weeks, prompting officials to mobilise rescue and relief efforts. The floods have been responsible for fatalities primarily through flooding and building collapses, resulting in nearly three times the number of deaths reported by officials last week.

Beijing’s Vice-Mayor, Xia Linmao, expressed condolences to the victims and acknowledged those who lost their lives while carrying out their duties. The impact of the disaster on communities has been severe, causing widespread distress.

The floods have not been confined to Beijing alone; other regions in China have also suffered. In Sichuan province, southwestern China, seven individuals lost their lives due to floods, while four were rescued from the water. The incident occurred near an embankment southwest of Chengdu, the provincial capital. Over ten people were swept away by an unexpected surge of water, while tourists visiting the site were caught off guard. Authorities continue search and rescue efforts as they grapple with the aftermath of the tragic event.

China’s northern regions have also borne the brunt of these extreme weather events. In Hebei province, fifteen individuals have been reported dead and twenty-two remain missing. The situation is similarly dire in northeastern Jilin, where fourteen people have lost their lives, and one individual is still missing.