Beijing receives 745 mm rain, its most in at least 140 years

Residents in northern China being evacuated by rubber boats. Pic/AP

China's capital has recorded its heaviest rainfall in at least 140 years over the past few days after being deluged with heavy rains from the remnants of Typhoon Doksuri. The city recorded 744.8 mm of rain between Saturday and Wednesday morning, the Beijing Meteorological Bureau said.

Beijing and the surrounding province of Hebei have been hit by severe flooding because of the record rainfall, with waters rising to dangerous levels. The rain destroyed roads and knocked out power and even pipes carrying drinking water. It flooded rivers surrounding the capital, leaving cars waterlogged, while lifting others onto bridges meant for pedestrians.

Among the hardest hit areas is Zhuozhou, a small city in Hebei province that borders Beijing's southwest. On Tuesday night, police there issued a plea on social media for lights to assist with rescue work. It's unknown how many people are trapped in flood-stricken areas in the city and surrounding villages.

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No. of deaths due to rain around Beijing

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