At Least 38 Dead, 80,000 Evacuated as Catastrophic Flooding Devastates Parts of China

Severe flooding triggered by relentless rainfall has left at least 38 people dead and forced the evacuation of more than 80,000 residents across eastern and northern China, according to state media reports.

The torrential downpours began on Saturday night and intensified through Monday, July 28, with particularly deadly consequences in Beijing’s Miyun District, where 28 people lost their lives. Two more fatalities were confirmed in Yanqing District, while eight deaths occurred in neighboring Hebei province, Chinese news agencies Xinhua and BBC News reported.

The floods have caused widespread destruction—knocking out power, washing away roads, and severely damaging homes and infrastructure. Entire neighborhoods were submerged, and thousands have sought refuge in emergency shelters.

“During emergencies like this, it’s tough for everyone,” said Cui Di, deputy chief of Shicheng Township in Miyun. “We do our best to make the shelter as comfortable as possible to ease their anxiety.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for “all-out efforts” in rescue and relief operations, instructing local officials to prepare for “worst-case and extreme scenarios.” Military personnel and local emergency responders have been deployed for rescue missions, road repairs, and delivery of food and supplies.

Authorities reported that some floodwaters reached unprecedented levels, including along the Qingshui River in Miyun, where water flow surged far beyond normal levels. In Huairou District, firefighters used makeshift bridges to transport emergency aid to stranded communities.

To support the massive relief effort, the Chinese government has allocated over 550 million yuan (approx. $77 million) in emergency funding from various national ministries.

On Monday night, Beijing authorities issued a red alert—the highest level warning—for continued rainfall, activating the city’s top-tier flood-control emergency response. By Tuesday morning, rain began to ease in some parts of the city, though forecasters warn that more rain is on the way.

Despite the improving weather, officials stress that the danger is far from over, as saturated ground and swollen rivers increase the risk of landslides and further flooding in the days ahead.