Chinese capital pounded by extreme rain event
Torrential rain and mega flooding left at least 37 people dead in the Chinese capital, forcing thousands to flee their homes.
The average precipitation throughout Beijing area was reported at at 170 mm during a 24 hour period spanning Saturday – Sunday, while the urban area received 225 mm in 16 hours, and a township in the suburban district of Fangshan recorded 460 mm, official reports said.
“Among the victims, 25 were drowned, six were killed in house collapses, one by lightening strike and five were electrocuted, according to the Information Office of the municipal government,” said a report.
- The rainstorms has affected at least 2 million people across the capital, causing substantial damage to private property and public infrastructure, destroying roads and bridges.
- At least 100,000 people have been relocated.
Rescuers prepare to search submerged cars near Guangqumen Bridge in Beijing, July 21, 2012. (Xinhua/Li Fangyu). More images…
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