Beijing,: Beijing is bracing for an intense spell of rainfall that could bring more than one-third of the Chinese capital’s average annual precipitation within 24 hours as moisture from Typhoon Dolphin converges with cool air over northern China.
The city’s meteorological service has warned that heavy rain will affect most areas from Tuesday evening through Thursday. More than 150 mm of rainfall could fall within 24 hours, while some districts may record over 200 mm.
Mountain districts face highest risk
Authorities have identified Tongzhou, Daxing, Fangshan, Mentougou, Huairou and Fengtai among the areas that could receive more than 200 mm of rain in 24 hours.
In Mentougou, a mountainous district in western Beijing, authorities issued the highest-level flood emergency alert and advised residents to remain indoors unless travel is necessary. People have also been warned to avoid mountainous areas and riverbanks.
The expected rainfall is particularly significant because Beijing receives an average of about 528 mm of rain annually, with most precipitation occurring between June and September. (Reuters)
Typhoon brings wider flood threat
Typhoon Dolphin has already caused major disruption across eastern China. After making landfall in Zhejiang with winds of about 151 kmph, the storm moved inland, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding to several provinces. More than one million people were evacuated across eastern China, while hundreds of flights were cancelled in Shanghai.
As Dolphin’s vast moisture system pushes further inland, authorities are closely monitoring rivers, mountain slopes and flood-prone areas.
For Beijing, the immediate priority is protecting residents from flash floods, landslides and urban flooding as the heaviest rainfall approaches.
