Torrential Rains Devastate Northern China
Relentless rains have triggered deadly floods across northern China, claiming dozens of lives. Among the most tragic events was the death of 31 elderly residents at a care center in Taishitun Town, Miyun district, just outside Beijing.
China floods elderly care home tragedy occurred after a swollen river near the facility overflowed. The center, once considered safe, was not prepared for such extreme conditions. The Communist Party secretary for Miyun, Yu Weiguo, admitted that contingency planning failed, calling it “a bitter lesson.”
The center housed 69 residents, 55 of whom were disabled. During the flood, one 87-year-old woman escaped by climbing onto a windowsill. Her roommate, however, tragically drowned.
River Swells 1,500 Times Normal Flow
The Qingshui River, usually a gentle stream, swelled to 1,500 times its normal volume as the floods hit. Miyun district received 573.5mm of rainfall in a few days, nearly a year’s worth of rain in Beijing terms.
The Miyun Reservoir, the largest in northern China, reached historic water levels. Officials acknowledged the lack of preparation for such powerful weather events and vowed to review disaster planning strategies.
Hundreds of Thousands Affected Across Regions
Deputy Mayor Xia Linmao stated that over 44 deaths occurred in Beijing alone during the past week. More than 300,000 people were affected, and thousands of homes, roads, and bridges suffered severe damage.
In Hebei province, 16 people have died, with dozens still missing. In Shanxi province, a minibus carrying farm workers was swept away, killing 10, with four still unaccounted for.
The China floods elderly care home disaster is a sobering reminder of how climate extremes are now striking the most vulnerable.
