At least 31 elderly people died in a nursing home on the outskirts of Beijing due to flooding. Local authorities admitted there were flaws in emergency planning.
The incident occurred in Miyun District, at a facility intended for disabled and low-income individuals. Water levels rose nearly two meters, trapping about half of the 77 residents inside.
"For years, the area where the nursing home is located was considered safe, so it was not included in the evacuation plan," said an official. "This was a painful but eye-opening lesson for us."
Total of 44 dead in Beijing
In total, 44 people have died due to flooding in the Chinese capital. In Hebei province, 16 people died; in Chengde, 8 died and 18 are still missing.
Climate change is increasing the threat
Experts link extreme weather to climate change. It poses a serious threat to China’s population and economy, especially its agricultural sector.
According to Chinese authorities, natural disasters have caused 54 billion yuan ($7.5 billion) in damage since the start of the year, over 90% of which was due to flooding.
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