Beijing, China’s capital, has endured its heaviest rainfall in 140 years, resulting in at least 20 fatalities.
From Saturday to Wednesday, the city recorded an unprecedented 744.8 mm (29.3 inches) of rain, the highest amount since records began in 1891, according to the Beijing Meteorological Bureau.
The intense weather is attributed to Typhoon Doksuri, which moved northward after striking southern China.
The typhoon made landfall in Xiamen and Quanzhou on Monday morning, bringing severe flooding to Beijing, as noted by the NASA Earth Observatory.
Over 31,000 Beijing residents evacuated as Typhoon Doksuri caused historic rain and damage.The storm caused significant damage, displacing tens of thousands and halting construction activities across the city.
The torrential rains, described as one of the worst storms to hit northern China in recent years, have left at least 20 people dead as of Tuesday. Over 31,000 residents have been evacuated from their homes, and work at construction sites has been suspended.
Besides Beijing, the heavy rains also affected northern China and areas along the Yellow and Huaihe rivers, as reported by state news agency Xinhua.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of search and rescue operations, flood control, and disaster relief. He has stressed the need to provide medical care for the injured and support for the families of those who have died.
On Wednesday, Beijing lifted its red flood alert, as water levels in major rivers had fallen below warning thresholds, according to Xinhua.