Symbolic imageBeijing evacuates thousands as Typhoon Dolphin's remnants drench northern China
Thousands of people were moved from flood- and landslide-prone parts of Beijing on Wednesday as the remnants of Typhoon Dolphin brought torrential rain. Forecasters warned the capital could get more than a third of its average annual rainfall in 24 hours.
Beijing remained under an orange rainstorm warning, the second-highest level, on Wednesday, 12 August. Authorities closed hundreds of tourist attractions and campsites, evacuated or turned away more than 1,300 tourists, moved over 5,000 elderly people from care facilities and relocated about 1,800 residents near construction projects. Official local media reported 250 bus routes suspended and 10 metro lines slowed. Dolphin, the strongest typhoon to hit China this year, made landfall in Zhejiang on Sunday and has since weakened, but its remnants keep drawing tropical moisture inland.
Red alert in Henan
Henan raised its torrential rain warning to the highest red alert on Wednesday morning, suspending classes, business operations and non-essential outdoor activities, with up to 350mm forecast in 24 hours through Thursday morning. Wugang recorded 209.5mm in a day, an August record, state media said.
Hebei on landslide alert
Hebei was on alert for mountain floods and landslides, with 623 teams sent to mountainous areas and more than 2,100 at-risk villages given satellite phones or messaging terminals, state media said.