Beijing issues rainstorm alert, activates flood control response

BEIJING -- The Beijing municipal government has upgraded its rainstorm warning to yellow, the third highest, and activated a citywide flood-control emergency response on Thursday.

The Beijing meteorological observatory forecast heavy rain from 5 pm Thursday to 8 am Friday. Hourly precipitation may exceed 50 mm in some districts. The alert warns of potential mountain torrents, mudslides, landslides, and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

The city's flood control office initiated the third-level response at 11 am, urging precautions against short-term heavy rainfall and potential secondary disasters.

Hydrological and meteorological authorities jointly issued waterlogging and mountain flood warnings for specific areas, advising the public to avoid waterlogged areas and stay clear of mountainous regions.