As Typhoon Doksuri’s remnants passed through Beijing, the Chinese capital experienced its heaviest rainfall of the year on July 31, 2023, leading to a red alert for heavy rain for its 22 million inhabitants. The aftermath of Doksuri has forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate from high-risk regions. Although no casualties or damages have been reported, the region remains on high alert as another storm, Typhoon Khanun, threatens to strike the densely populated coast this week. These storms are hitting China after a summer of record-breaking temperatures, amplifying concerns about climate change.
Unprecedented Rainfall Hits Beijing
The overnight rainfall in Beijing reached an average of 140.7mm, with some areas, like Fangshan, experiencing a staggering 500.4mm of rainfall. This has triggered a red alert for heavy rain, covering not only Beijing but also Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Shandong, and Henan provinces. The situation marks the first time in more than a decade that such a severe warning has been issued, as the storms continue to wreak havoc across the northern parts of China.
Tens of Thousands Evacuated, Widespread Precautions Taken
More than 31,000 people have been evacuated from high-risk areas in Beijing alone, and another 20,000 residents were relocated from parts of the nearby city of Shijiazhuang. To minimize the impact of the storm, work was suspended on over 4,000 construction sites in Beijing, and nearly 20,000 buildings underwent damage inspection. Scenic spots within the city were also closed to ensure public safety. Despite these measures, the storm’s intensity poses significant challenges to the affected regions.
Doksuri’s Wrath and the Looming Khanun
Typhoon Doksuri, initially classified as a super typhoon, caused widespread destruction across the Pacific Ocean, leaving behind more than a dozen fatalities in the Philippines. As it approached China’s southeast, it brought colossal waves and howling winds, affecting over 880,000 individuals in Fujian province. While Doksuri is gradually tapering off, meteorologists are closely monitoring the approaching Typhoon Khanun, which poses a renewed threat to China’s densely populated coast.
As Beijing and surrounding regions grapple with the aftermath of Typhoon Doksuri’s record-breaking rainfall, authorities are closely monitoring the approaching Typhoon Khanun, bracing for further challenges. The combination of extreme weather events and record summer temperatures has raised concerns about the impact of climate change on China’s weather patterns, necessitating continued vigilance and preparedness in the face of future storms.
