Beijing, July 10
Beijing issued a 'blue alert' for rainstorms on early Thursday morning and initiated a Level-IV flood control emergency response across the city.
Heavy rainfall had already hit Beijing by the night of Wednesday. The Beijing meteorological observatory issued a blue rainstorm warning at 6.33 a.m. (local time) on Thursday, news agency reported.
According to data released by the municipal meteorological department at around 7 a.m., on Thursday morning, most areas of the city are expected to experience intense precipitation with an hourly rainfall exceeding 30 mm and a six-hour accumulation surpassing 50 mm.
Mountainous and hilly regions face potential secondary disasters such as flash floods, mudslides, and landslides triggered by the downpour, while low-lying areas may suffer from waterlogging.
Beijing activated a citywide Level-IV flood control emergency response at 7 a.m. Thursday.
Local authorities advised all relevant departments to implement flood prevention measures and urged the public to stay updated on forecasts, carry rain gear, and avoid sheltering near high-rise buildings or billboards.