Beijing Floods Claim 30 Lives as China Grapples with Summer of Extreme Weather

At least 30 people have died in Beijing, and over 80,000 residents have been evacuated, as relentless rains trigger severe flooding in northern China, submerging roads, homes, and entire communities.

In a separate incident, eight more deaths were reported after a landslide struck Chengde city, located about three hours northeast of the capital.

This wave of devastation marks yet another episode in what has become a summer of extreme weather across China. Earlier this month, the eastern region endured record-breaking heatwaves, while floods wreaked havoc in the southwest.

Government Responds with Emergency Relief

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an “all-out” rescue operation, urging emergency responders to prepare for “worst-case and extreme scenarios.”

“No effort should be spared to search for and rescue those missing or trapped, to relocate affected residents, and to minimize casualties as much as possible,” President Xi said on Monday.

In response, authorities have allocated 200 million yuan ($28 million) to support recovery operations, including the restoration of transport networks and critical infrastructure.

Beijing’s Outskirts Worst Hit

The suburban districts of Miyun and Huairou, located on the outskirts of Beijing, bore the brunt of the torrential downpours. Power outages affected over 130 villages, and dozens of roads have been severely damaged or washed away.

Dramatic scenes captured on video showed rescue teams wading through chest-deep floodwaters, while helicopters and drones were used to deliver food and supplies to isolated communities.

Families Struggle to Reach Loved Ones

Many residents are still trying to contact missing family members. A woman identified as Ms. Yang, who works in nearby Hebei province, told BBC Chinese that she had lost contact with her elderly parents and grandfather living in Miyun, a district severely impacted by the floods.

“They all have health issues and limited mobility,” she said. Her family was also caring for eight cats and three dogs. With no news since Sunday, she turned to social media to plead for rescue, fearing their small and remote village—with just 10 households—might be overlooked.

Witnesses Recount the Sudden Onset

Residents described the suddenness of the disaster.

“The flood came rushing in—so fast, so suddenly,” said Zhuang Zhelin, a shop owner in Taishitun town, near Beijing, speaking to the Associated Press.
“In no time, everything was under water.”

Another local recalled racing upstairs and waiting anxiously for help.

“I remember thinking, if no one came, we’d be in serious danger,” he said.

Recurring Threats and Climate Concerns

While Beijing is no stranger to seasonal flooding, this summer’s events are among the most severe in recent years. In July 2012, a single day of rain killed 79 people when 190mm fell across the city.

This summer, extreme weather patterns—linked to climate change, according to experts—have continued to impact lives and the economy across China.

Earlier this month, Typhoon Wipha killed two people and left 10 missing in Shandong province. Just weeks before, a landslide claimed three lives in Ya’an, in the country’s southwest.

According to China’s Ministry of Emergency Management, natural disasters in the first half of 2025 have cost the country over 54 billion yuan ($7.5 billion)—with flooding accounting for more than 90% of those losses.