Beijing – a metropolis of more than 20 million people – found itself in the grips of unprecedented devastation on August 4th. The Chinese capital, known for its vibrant culture and bustling economic activity, fell victim to the most severe rainfall it had experienced in 140 years, an outcome of the tropical Typhoon Doksuri.
Among the people most profoundly affected by this disaster was Gao, a resident who cherished the comfort of a spacious apartment in the scenic western region of the city, and the pleasure of driving his class-E Mercedes Benz. But in the wake of these extreme weather conditions, his life was irrevocably altered.
Gao’s home, located in the Mentougou district – approximately 40 kilometers away from Beijing’s core – was severely hit. This area was the epicenter of the city’s flooding crisis, recording the first two casualties related to the deluge. A district once admired for its tranquility and suburban charm was suddenly turned into the central scene of catastrophe, as raging waters sparked by Doksuri’s subsequent storms relentlessly tore through the region.
The initial part of Gao’s day didn’t hint at the impending doom. As a 60-year-old retiree, his routine was one of ease and slow pace, but that particular day would soon defy all conventions of normalcy. Out of nowhere, a sudden mudslide engulfed the nearby stream, and water began to breach the confines of his property.
Gao recounts the horrifying moment of the catastrophe with a shudder, “Then the balcony collapsed and the water came in.” His voice breaks a little, as he narrates his ordeal to Reuters. His humble living room, once a space of warmth and laughter, is now filled with rubble and debris – an unsolicited reminder of the disaster. His Mercedes Benz, the car he once took so much pride in, was washed away, much like his sense of security.
He recalls the terror and adrenaline that pushed him and his wife to run for their lives, “Us two, me and my wife, we ran for our lives,” he said. Soon after their narrow escape, tree trunks and detached fragments of construction material barricaded his front window, sealing the fate of their once cherished home.
Visible on the walls of his apartment are the telltale signs of the deluge. Watermarks creep high, halting just 30 centimeters shy of the ceiling. Surprisingly, amidst this chaos, his clock was the lone survivor, having been spared by the brutal water levels.
This catastrophic event has extracted a heavy toll, claiming the lives of at least 20 people in Beijing and the adjacent Hebei province, a number that is heartbreakingly expected to rise. The deluge has wrought the worst flooding in the expansive Hai river basin since 1963. These torrential rains have since moved to the northeastern region of China, leaving behind a trail of destruction and shattered lives.
Thousands have been displaced due to the relentless floods and incessant rain. Like Gao, many people have lost their homes – their safe havens snatched away by the merciless waters. But amidst this chaos and hardship, Gao’s spirit remains unbroken. When asked about his plans for the future, his optimism radiates against the grim backdrop of his ruined home.
With a calmness that belies his circumstances, Gao said, “You have to make do and live. As long as we’re still here, other things can be sorted.” His resilience, as he sifts through the remnants of his home – cans of bottled beer and muddied shirts – paints a picture of human strength and an unyielding determination to rebuild.
The severe weather event that struck Beijing on that fateful day, causing loss and displacement, will leave a lasting mark on the city’s history. It’s a reminder of the tremendous power of nature and the frailty of human constructs. Yet, within these narratives of disaster, stories like Gao’s offer glimpses of hope and resilience, and underline the capacity of the human spirit to endure and bounce back.
This account of the harsh reality of climate extremes was brought to you by reporters Josh Arsland and Tingshu Wang. Additional reporting was provided by Ryan Woo, and the story was composed by Albee Zhang. The news piece was edited by Miral Fahmy.
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