Record-breaking Rainfall Submerges Beijing in Deluge

Record-breaking rainfall has caused devastating floods in Beijing and Hebei province, displacing over a million people. The heavy rainfall, the most in 140 years, overwhelmed the land's drainage capacity, leading to flash floods. Factors such as intense rainfall, dry soil, and urbanization contributed to the severity of the floods. Rapid urban development, lack of effective drainage systems, and the reduction of green spaces increased flood risk in Chinese cities. The construction of Beijing wiped out wetlands, which could have mitigated flood risks. The "sponge city" project and plans for canals and reservoirs aim to address flooding, but experts warn of their limitations and potential environmental disruptions. The urban heat island effect and rising temperatures due to climate change also worsened the storms.