Affected by torrential rain and floods, the luxurious Xitan Hotel nestled deep in the mountains of Beijing’s Mentougou district has suffered extensive damage. Despite the calamity, hotel staff members have successfully accounted for the safety of all guests and employees, providing much-needed relief amid the chaos.
Media reports emerged on Monday when a guest at the Xitan Hotel took to social media to share the dire conditions caused by the heavy rainfall. The guest reported encountering poor mobile signal, limited access to electricity, and hot water shortages within the hotel premises. Shocking video footage captured by the guest depicted the hotel lobby completely devastated by the floodwaters, adding to the gravity of the situation.
As the situation evolved, a hotel employee informed the media on Tuesday that communication channels had been restored, enabling the orderly evacuation of both staff and guests. This efficient response mitigated potential risks and ensured the safety of everyone on the property.
The Xitan Hotel, an architectural marvel that took eight years and a staggering 800 million yuan ($112 million) to construct, aimed to offer an unparalleled sense of seclusion and luxury to its patrons. It commenced its trial operations on April 30, 2022, with room rates ranging from 6,000 to 15,000 yuan per night. However, the raging rainfall in Beijing took its toll on the hotel, serving as a stark reminder of the forces of nature and their potential to disrupt even the most ambitious human endeavors.
Regrettably, the Xitan Hotel was not the only landmark affected by the torrential downpour. In Fengtai district, the Xiaoqing River Bridge suffered a catastrophic collapse on Monday, causing five parked cars to plunge into the raging river below. In response, authorities promptly sealed off both ends of the bridge to prevent further accidents.
Moreover, the Jingxi Joy City shopping mall experienced a disastrous road collapse, amounting to approximately 24 square meters, around 17:20 on July 30. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties, and repair crews are diligently working to address the damage. These incidents serve as a somber reminder of the importance of reinforcing infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events.
The relentless rainstorms did not spare other regions neighboring Beijing. In Zhuozhou, located in Hebei Province, a residential area found itself inundated with accumulated water, reaching nearly the height of a building’s first story, with a maximum depth of approximately five meters. Tragically, the basement of a community building succumbed to the pressure, collapsing under the weight of the deluge. With no access to water, electricity, or gas, residents were in dire need of rescue and assistance. Authorities in Zhuozhou swiftly responded to the crisis, taking measures to address the situation and alleviate the distress of affected residents.
The cascading rainfall and subsequent flooding in the region underscore the necessity of disaster preparedness and climate resilience. As extreme weather events become increasingly common, authorities must implement robust measures to safeguard both human lives and valuable infrastructure.
In conclusion, the Xitan Hotel in Beijing’s Mentougou district suffered significant damage due to heavy rainfall and floods, reflecting the devastating impact of natural disasters on both luxury establishments and public infrastructure. However, the commendable efforts of hotel staff in ensuring the safety of guests and employees demonstrate the importance of preparedness and prompt response during times of crisis. As communities face the aftermath of the calamity, the incidents in various regions around Beijing serve as a stark reminder of the need to strengthen infrastructure and adopt measures to adapt to the changing climate.
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