China: Heavy rain claims 30 lives so far in Beijing

President Xi Jinping has given instructions to speed up relief and rescue operations to reduce loss of life and property.

Beijing: China's capital Beijing is in the grip of severe floods and rains. Torrential rains for the past few days have badly affected life.

According to the Municipal Flood Control Headquarters of Beijing, 30 people have lost their lives so far, while more than 80,000 people have been evacuated to safer places.

President Xi Jinping has given instructions to speed up relief and rescue operations to reduce loss of life and property.

Miyun district has been the most affected among the areas of Beijing where the highest number of deaths have occurred. 28 people have been confirmed dead here, while two people have died in Yanching district.

According to local officials, the highest rainfall was recorded in Miyun, which reached 543.4 mm. Incidents of floods and landslides have also been reported in these areas.

Roads broken, power outage in villages
Due to heavy rains and floods, 31 roads have been damaged in Beijing. Apart from this, power supply has been disrupted in 136 villages. The administration has warned people to stay away from fast flowing rivers and dangerous areas. It is still raining intermittently in Beijing, which can worsen the situation.

Highest level of alert implemented
On Monday night, Beijing's city flood control headquarters implemented the highest level of flood emergency response system in the entire city. Its purpose is to take immediate action in any emergency. All the concerned departments have been alerted by the city administration and relief teams have been deployed in sensitive areas.

President Xi Jinping's instructions
President Xi Jinping has said that missing and trapped people should be searched at all costs and people from the crisis areas should be immediately taken to safe places.

He warned that the authorities should be prepared for the worst situation and every step should be taken in a planned and scientific manner. He said that emergency response should be started immediately so that people's lives and property can be completely protected.

Prime Minister Li Keqiang gave instructions
China's Prime Minister Li Keqiang has also asked the national flood control officials to help local governments give a strong and effective response. He warned that weather conditions may worsen in other parts of the country as well, so work should be done in coordination.

Damage assessment also started
Relief and rescue operations are continuing in Beijing. Thousands of disaster relief workers have been sent to the affected areas.

Assessment of damage caused by the floods has also started, in which repair of infrastructure like roads, electricity, water supply and housing is a priority. At present, the Meteorological Department has predicted more rain in the coming days, which may worsen the situation.

The government has appealed to the people to be cautious and follow the guidelines of the administration.