Beijing battles torrential rain as flood threat grows

BEIJING: Beijing was thrown into weather-alert mode on Wednesday as torrential rain linked to Typhoon Dolphin disrupted transport, closed tourist attractions and forced authorities to evacuate people from areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides.

The Chinese capital suspended 250 bus routes and ordered trains on 10 subway lines to operate at reduced speeds as heavy rain turned several roads into virtual rivers. Authorities also halted sightseeing boat services and temporarily closed tourist and camping sites, according to state media.

The downpour was part of a wider weather system generated by the remnants of Dolphin, the strongest typhoon to hit China this year. Although the storm weakened after making landfall, its vast moisture system continued moving inland, bringing intense rainfall to northern and central parts of the country.

Beijing’s Changping district recorded 90.7 millimetres of rain in just one hour after 9am on Wednesday, highlighting the intensity of the storm. Floodwaters left vehicles stranded and disrupted traffic on major roads.

Authorities moved residents from mountainous villages, low-lying communities and other locations considered vulnerable to flooding and geological disasters. More than 5,000 elderly people were also evacuated from care facilities as officials stepped up emergency preparations.

Construction work across thousands of sites was suspended, while reservoirs were releasing water in advance to create additional capacity for incoming rainfall.

The National Meteorological Center renewed an orange rainstorm alert, warning that heavy rain would continue across a broad area of China through Thursday morning.

The latest weather emergency has revived concerns over the growing impact of extreme rainfall and flooding in China. Scientists have increasingly linked more intense weather events to climate change, while the 2026 El Niño pattern is also contributing to warmer conditions and stronger tropical systems.

For Beijing residents, the immediate priority remains staying away from flooded roads, rivers and mountainous areas as authorities monitor rainfall and prepare for further disruption.