China Launches Emergency Response to Floods in Beijing

Strategic Insights -

Heavy rains in the Chaobai River Basin have led to severe flooding in Beijing, with the Miyun Reservoir experiencing its largest flood since 1959. According to the State Council, the river is expected to have moderate to heavy rain in the next three days, with local torrential rain forecasted. The Ministry of Water Resources has launched a Level IV emergency response to flood defense, requiring local authorities to closely monitor weather changes, strengthen rainfall and water situation monitoring, and promptly issue early warning information.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Chaobai River in the Haihe River Basin has experienced heavy to torrential rain since July 24, with the Miyun Reservoir experiencing its largest flood since its establishment in 1959 on July 27.
  • The Ministry of Water Resources launched a Level IV emergency response to flood defense in Beijing at 12:00 on July 27, requiring local water resources departments and relevant river basin management agencies to take immediate action.
  • The Ministry has sent a team of experts to the front line of flood prevention in Beijing to assist and guide water project scheduling, mountain torrent disaster prevention, and other work.
  • The water flow of the Chaohe and Baihe Rivers will fluctuate, and some small and medium-sized rivers in the rainstorm area may experience floods above the warning level.
  • Local authorities are required to strengthen rainfall and water situation monitoring, promptly issue early warning information, and take scientific and accurate measures to dispatch flood control engineering systems.
  • The safety of people's lives and property is the top priority, with evacuations to be carried out in danger areas in advance.

Statistics:

  • Since July 24, the Chaobai River has experienced heavy to torrential rain.
  • The Miyun Reservoir has experienced its largest flood since its establishment in 1959.
  • 12:00 on July 27marked the start of the Ministry of Water Resources' emergency response to flood defense in Beijing.
  • The water flow of the Chaohe and Baihe Rivers is expected to fluctuate.
  • Some small and medium-sized rivers in the rainstorm area may experience floods above the warning level.

Sources:

  • State Council, People's Republic of China: https://www.gov.cn/lianbo/bumen/202507/content_7034034.htm