Thousands evacuated as Typhoon Dolphin causes severe flooding in Beijing

On August 12, 2026, Beijing, China, faced severe weather conditions as the remnants of Typhoon Dolphin brought torrential rain to the region. Authorities issued warnings that the capital could receive over 150mm of rain within 24 hours, with some districts expected to exceed 200mm, which is more than one-third of the city's average annual rainfall. In response to the imminent threat of flooding and landslides, thousands of residents were evacuated from vulnerable areas, including over 5,000 elderly individuals from care facilities and approximately 1,800 people living near construction sites in mountainous or riverside locations.

The rainstorm prompted the closure of hundreds of tourist attractions and campsites, affecting more than 1,300 tourists who were either evacuated or turned away. The heavy rainfall also disrupted the morning commute, leading to the suspension of 250 bus routes and reduced speeds on 10 metro lines. The situation was exacerbated by the fact that Typhoon Dolphin was the strongest typhoon to hit China in 2026, having made landfall in the eastern province of Zhejiang just days prior. Although the typhoon had weakened, its remnants continued to draw significant amounts of tropical moisture inland, causing widespread rainfall across northern and central China.

In addition to Beijing, the neighboring Hebei province was placed on alert for potential mountain floods, landslides, and other geological hazards. Authorities took proactive measures by dispatching 623 teams to mountainous areas and equipping over 2,100 at-risk villages with satellite phones and messaging terminals to ensure communication during emergencies. Meanwhile, in the central province of Henan, the torrential rain led to the issuance of a red alert, the highest level of warning, as downpours continued to impact large areas. Forecasts indicated that some regions could see rainfall totals of up to 350mm over the next 24 hours.

As a result of the severe weather, classes, business operations, and non-essential outdoor activities were suspended in the affected areas of Henan. Residents were advised to avoid deep floodwaters and evacuate immediately if their vehicles stalled in water. The increasing frequency and intensity of destructive weather events in China have been linked to climate change, with this year being particularly challenging due to the emergence of the El Niño weather pattern, which has contributed to rising temperatures and more intense typhoons. Rainfall records were also broken in other parts of central China, with Wugang in Henan receiving 209.5mm in a single day and Xiangyang in Hubei recording 169.1mm, both marking the highest single-day rainfall totals for August.