Beijing authorities acknowledged on Thursday that they were unprepared for the recent torrential rains that devastated parts of the city, resulting in at least 44 deaths and leaving nine others unaccounted for.
Officials noted that the worst-affected areas were in the capital's rural outskirts. The updated death toll marked a rise from the 30 fatalities that had been previously reported earlier in the week.
According to Xia Linmao, a senior city official, the heavy rains that fell between July 23 and 29 led to widespread destruction and considerable loss of life. He stated that the intense weather triggered disasters across Beijing, including flooding and infrastructure damage.
Much of northern China has experienced severe weather over the past week, prompting mass evacuations and rescue operations in multiple regions.
A senior official reported that 31 of the deaths occurred at an elderly care facility in Taishitun, a town located in the northeastern part of the city. He also mentioned that some of the individuals still unaccounted for include local officials who had been involved in rescue operations, AFP reported.
Authorities acknowledged that the disaster highlighted serious weaknesses in the city’s preparedness. The official admitted that the capacity to predict and issue timely warnings for extreme weather events remains inadequate, and that disaster response plans are not yet fully developed. He also pointed out that infrastructure in mountainous regions is still lacking.
In Miyun district, which was among the worst affected, the local Communist Party leader conceded that the area was not adequately prepared. He noted that their understanding of extreme weather events had been insufficient and emphasised that the tragedy served as a stark reminder that prioritising people’s lives must go beyond mere rhetoric.
Authorities noted that the recent rainstorms led to widespread disruption, with numerous roads shut down, power outages in several villages, and many homes submerged with floodwaters across Beijing and nearby provinces.
Observers pointed out that China regularly faces natural disasters, especially during the summer months when certain areas are hit by intense rainfall while others endure extreme heat.
Experts have long highlighted China's complex role in the global climate landscape. While the country remains the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions—widely believed to fuel more frequent and severe weather—it is also seen as a major force in the renewable energy sector. Officials have reiterated China’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, reflecting its dual position as both a top emitter and a leader in clean energy development.