Beijing Officials Admit Failures After Deadly Floods

Beijing officials have publicly acknowledged major shortcomings in their preparedness and response to extreme rainfall and flooding that struck northern China, resulting in at least 44 deaths and nine people missing. The worst-hit areas were the capital’s rural suburbs, particularly Miyun district, where 31 people died at an elderly care center in Taishitun. Authorities cited poor forecasting, inadequate disaster prevention plans, and weak infrastructure in mountainous regions as key factors behind the disaster. Over 80,000 people were evacuated, more than 100 villages lost power, and many communities suffered severe damage to homes and roads. Officials' rare public admissions reflect an increasing awareness of more frequent, severe weather events and a need to better protect human life. Local residents described the disaster as a 'once in a hundred years' flood and reported limited advance warning.