Beijing on Tuesday activated a Level II flood-control emergency response, the second-highest level, as authorities warned of heavy rain with moisture from Typhoon Dolphin to the south converging with cool air ⁠over the nation's north.

⁠From Tuesday evening ⁠through Thursday, most areas in the capital will experience ⁠heavy downpours with a cumulative rainfall of over 100 millimetres in six hours and more ⁠than 150mm in 24 hours, according to the city's meteorological service.

The cumulative rainfall in districts including Tongzhou, Daxing, Fangshan, Mentougou, Huairou and Fengtai may exceed 200mm ⁠in 24 hours.

That compares with Beijing's average annual rainfall of 528mm, the bulk of which is concentrated in the months between ⁠June and September.

Beijing issued an orange alert for rainstorms at 10am on Monday, while several districts, including Fangshan, Daxing and Tongzhou, issued the highest-level red alerts.

Authorities said residents in high-risk areas would be evacuated by Tuesday evening.

Construction work will be suspended, and mountain campsites and scenic areas will be closed.

Starting Wednesday, employers are encouraged to adopt flexible working hours or staggered schedules.

Schools may suspend classes and in-person training depending on conditions, while organised outdoor sports activities will be halted.

Beijing's drainage authorities have put 252 flood-control teams on standby.

Preparations, including the installation of flood barriers, have also been stepped up at 368 subway stations, 33 hospital campuses and 17 elderly care facilities. (Xinhua/Reuters)
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Last updated: 2026-08-11 HKT 15:13



Edited by Aaron Tam