Video Shows Cars Swept Away in Beijing Amid China Floods
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
At least four people have died and eight remain missing following intense rainfall and flooding across northern China, authorities confirmed on Monday, as evacuation efforts and flood alerts expanded across several provinces.
The fatalities resulted from a landslide in a rural area of Hebei province.
Floodwaters inundated parts of Beijing and nearby districts, sweeping away vehicles and prompting large-scale evacuations while thousands more were relocated. In response, the Chinese government deployed emergency teams and provided financial aid, with forecasts warning of more heavy rain for the capital and surrounding areas.
Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry for comment.
Why It Matters
The latest flooding underscores China's vulnerability to extreme weather events, especially in densely populated and low-lying areas. The situation raises concerns about infrastructure readiness, particularly following last year's severe floods in Beijing and Hebei that killed dozens. Authorities' rapid response, including evacuations and funding, highlights both lessons learned and the urgency of current threats.
People clean their vehicle in floodwaters after heavy rain in Taishitun Town, Miyun district on the outskirts of Beijing on July 28.
People clean their vehicle in floodwaters after heavy rain in Taishitun Town, Miyun district on the outskirts of Beijing on July 28.
Mahesh Kumar A./AP Photo
Rainfall Hits Hard
The four deaths were linked to a landslide in Luanping county, a mountainous region of Hebei province that borders Beijing. State media said the victims were caught in rapidly shifting terrain during the heavy rains.
Meanwhile, eight people are still missing, and local residents reported communication disruptions, making it difficult to check on family members.
Video posted on X from user @whyyoutouzhele shows cars being swept away in Beijing's Miyun district. The video has been viewed over 149,000 times as of Monday morning.
Flash Flood Risk
China's Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorological Administration issued a red flash flood warning at 6 p.m. on July 28. From 8 p.m. that evening to 8 p.m. on July 29, severe flash floods are likely in and around Beijing, including areas just to the north and east of the capital. Surrounding regions—including parts of Tianjin, Hebei, and Liaoning—are also under orange-level flood alerts.
The map below highlights the areas most at risk during this period.
Who Is Being Evacuated?
Since Friday, more than 4,000 people in Beijing's Miyun district and around 5,600 residents in Tianjin have been evacuated, along with additional relocations in Hebei's Luanping and surrounding counties. Power outages also affected more than 10,000 people.
Another series of videos from @whyyoutouzhele show rising floodwaters sweeping through streets and threatening homes in the province.
What Happens Next?
The central government has allocated 50 million yuan (approximately $7 million) to support relief efforts in Hebei and sent emergency personnel to help cities including Chengde, Baoding, and Zhangjiakou.
Further rainfall is expected, keeping emergency measures in place across northern China.
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