30 dead and over 80 000 evacuated as extreme rainfall hits Beijing, China
At least 30 people died and more than 80 000 were evacuated in Beijing, China, after record rainfall from July 26–28, 2025, caused severe flooding and landslides.
Image credit: Jim Yang
Record-breaking rainfall from July 26–28, caused severe flooding across Beijing, leaving at least 30 people dead and forcing more than 80 000 to evacuate, Beijing Municipal Government officials confirmed on July 29.
The fatalities occurred primarily in Miyun District, where 28 people were confirmed dead, and in Yanqing District, which reported two deaths. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further casualties as search-and-rescue operations continue.
According to the meteorological service in Beijing, total rainfall reached 543.4 mm (21.4 inches) at some monitoring stations in Miyun, nearly 90% of the city’s average annual total.
The continuous heavy rains in northern China from July 24 to 29 have caused 30 deaths and missing persons in Beijing, 16 deaths and missing persons in Hebei, 14 deaths and missing persons in Shanxi, and 1 death in Inner Mongolia, for a total of 61 deaths and missing persons. pic.twitter.com/5l00vQgC6v
— Jim (@yangyubin1998) July 29, 2025
The citywide average rainfall was measured at 165.9 mm (6.5 inches) between July 26 and 28. Hourly rainfall records were also broken, with Huairou District recording 95.3 mm (3.8 inches) in one hour.
Beijing’s mountainous terrain to the north and west contributed to the rainfall concentration, acting as a “rain trap” and intensifying precipitation.
Heavy rainstorms are expected in Beijing's mountainous areas tonight and tomorrow morning. The Beijing Meteorological Department has issued the highest level of rainstorm warning. The government advises citizens not to go out at night unless necessary. https://t.co/7xIael6B75 pic.twitter.com/nlb5WobVAA
— Jim (@yangyubin1998) July 28, 2025
In the early morning of July 28, Beijing's mountainous areas suffered extreme rainstorms for the second consecutive night. The rainfall in Pinggu District exceeded 300 mm in 12 hours, and some villages were flooded. pic.twitter.com/xRJ0Ud2L3K
— Jim (@yangyubin1998) July 28, 2025
Floodwaters damaged at least 31 roads, cut power to 136 villages, and disrupted communications in multiple districts. The Beijing Emergency Management Bureau confirmed widespread infrastructure damage, with rural and suburban areas suffering the most.
Authorities activated the highest-level flood control emergency response and issued a red rainstorm warning. Schools, construction sites, and outdoor activities were suspended citywide. More than 17 000 people were evacuated from Miyun District alone.
The Miyun Reservoir reached its highest level since it began operation in 1959, with an inflow of 730 million m³ (592 000 acre‑feet) of water. Controlled releases have discharged around 120 million cubic meters downstream to mitigate flood risks.
The mountainous area in the north of Beijing, China's capital, was hit by heavy rain in the early morning of July 27, with 302 mm of rainfall in 6 hours! Currently, the heavy rain has caused communication interruptions in some areas of Miyun&Huairou, disaster relief is underway pic.twitter.com/MA9nN7nZWd
— Jim (@yangyubin1998) July 27, 2025
The central government allocated CNY 550 million (USD 76 million) in emergency relief funding, including CNY 200 million for Beijing.
Rescue teams from the Ministry of Emergency Management and the People’s Liberation Army were deployed to assist with evacuations and infrastructure repairs.
Meteorological agencies warn that the risk of further flooding, mountain torrents, and landslides remains elevated in the coming days, particularly in northern Beijing and surrounding Hebei Province.
The Beijing Water Authority has issued a blue flood warning for sections of the North Canal Basin.
In the early morning of July 27, a 315mm rainstorm in northern Beijing in 10 hours caused severe flooding. The peak of the Miyun Reservoir reached 6,550 cubic meters per second, breaking the local record for the largest flood in history! pic.twitter.com/bQmfz0E2Ys
— Jim (@yangyubin1998) July 27, 2025
I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.
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