Heavy rains have triggered deadly floods and landslides across northern China, killing at least four people and leaving eight missing in Hebei province, as authorities issue flood warnings in 11 provinces including the capital, Beijing.
The disaster occurred after relentless rainfall caused a landslide in a village near Chengde city in Hebei, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Emergency teams have evacuated more than 4,400 residents in nearby areas, including Beijing’s Miyun district, where entire roads, buildings, and vehicles were submerged.
Images shared on social media showed flooded streets with floating cars and residents wading through deep water. Power cuts affected over 10,000 people in the Miyun area, adding to the growing crisis.
China’s weather authorities warned that heavy rainfall will continue over the next three days. The Water Resources Ministry has issued targeted flood alerts across 11 provinces and regions, including Beijing, Hebei, and Shanxi.
In Shanxi province, home to the ancient city of Xian, flash flood warnings have been issued after videos showed submerged farmland and roads turned into rivers.
The Chinese government has taken emergency steps to address the crisis. Beijing raised its flood alert to the highest level on Monday, while the National Development and Reform Commission allocated 50 million yuan (approximately \$7 million) in emergency funds to Hebei. The funds will help repair damaged roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and embankments.
The national emergency management department also sent inspection teams to affected areas in Hebei to assess the damage and speed up recovery efforts.
This disaster highlights China’s growing struggle with extreme weather events linked to climate change. Once considered dry, northern China has seen record rainfall in recent years. Scientists say global warming and the East Asian monsoon are making storms stronger and more frequent, threatening infrastructure and lives.
Natural disasters are common in China during summer. In recent weeks, Flash floods in Shandong killed two people and left 10 missing and A landslide in Sichuan swept cars off a highway, killing five.
With more rain expected, Chinese authorities are racing to prevent further casualties and damage. The situation remains dangerous, and officials warn that sustained relief efforts, better infrastructure, and climate action are urgently needed.
