World
40 hrs of continuous rain in Beijing breaks 140-year record
The destructive rainfall resulted in 20 fatalities.
Beijing: Beijing experienced 40 hours of non-stop rainfall, breaking a 140-year-old record set back in 1891 for the most prolonged rain spell.
The Beijing Meteorological Bureau issued a statement on Wednesday, revealing that the recent torrential rains surpassed records dating back over a century.
During the deluge, the region received a staggering 744.8 millimeters of rain, which was recorded in Wangjiaquan Water Reservoir, located in Changping.
The heavy downpour wreaked havoc in northern parts of China, leading to flash floods that claimed the lives of 20 people.
Rescue operations have been initiated, and military helicopters are providing assistance to the affected areas.
Before this recent event, the highest recorded volume of rainfall in a 40-hour period stood at 609 millimeters.
Typhoon Dujuan, a former super typhoon, had struck the Philippines before making landfall in southern Fujian province last week.
It then moved northwards and continued to intensify, leading to severe rainfall in Beijing.
Government media had previously warned that 130 million people would be affected by the heavy rains in northern China. The surrounding areas of Beijing have also been severely impacted by the continuous rainfall.
In response to the calamity, the authorities have relocated 974,400 individuals to safer locations in Hebei province.
With the focus now on relief efforts, the Chinese Red Cross has deployed hundreds of aid workers to clear debris and help those in distress in the severely affected regions.
According to official reports, the rainfall has claimed the lives of at least 11 people in Beijing, including two rescue workers who lost their lives during relief operations.
Additionally, 13 individuals are still missing, but 14 others have been found safe.
In Hebei province, neighboring Beijing, nine fatalities and six missing persons have been reported.