What is the Significance of Beijing's Blue Alert for Rainstorms?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Beijing issued a blue alert for rainstorms on July 10.
- A Level-IV flood control emergency response was activated.
- Heavy rainfall is expected to exceed 30 mm per hour.
- Residents are advised to stay indoors and be cautious.
- Extreme weather events are linked to climate change.
Beijing, July 10 (NationPress) Early Thursday morning, Beijing issued a blue alert for rainstorms and activated a Level-IV flood control emergency response across the city. By Wednesday night, heavy rainfall had already impacted the region. As reported by Xinhua news agency, the Beijing meteorological observatory issued a blue rainstorm warning at 6:33 a.m. (local time) on Thursday.
Data from the municipal meteorological department indicated that by 7 a.m. on Thursday, most areas of the city were forecasted to experience intense precipitation, with hourly rainfall expected to exceed 30 mm and six-hour accumulations surpassing 50 mm.
Regions with mountainous and hilly terrain are at risk for secondary disasters, including flash floods, mudslides, and landslides, while low-lying areas may encounter waterlogging.
At 7 a.m. Thursday, Beijing implemented a citywide Level-IV flood control emergency response.
Local authorities have urged all relevant departments to execute flood prevention measures and have recommended that the public stay informed about forecasts, carry rain gear, and avoid taking shelter near high-rise buildings or billboards.
Drivers are advised to be cautious on slippery roads and to avoid flooded areas.
China's weather warning system consists of four tiers, with red being the most severe, followed by orange, yellow, and blue. The national emergency response system also contains four levels, with Level I being the highest.
Previously, on July 9, torrential rains affected several regions in China as Tropical Storm Danas drenched coastal tech hubs while monsoonal rains inland triggered deadly landslides and flash floods, according to officials.
Significantly, China is increasingly threatened by extreme weather events attributed to climate change.
Each year, these impacts jeopardize commercial activities and lead to loss of life, as flood defense systems are believed to be overwhelmed.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors as Danas, which has weakened from a typhoon, began releasing the moisture it had absorbed over the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait onto the coastal provinces of Zhejiang and Fujian.