Beijing on high alert amid torrential rains

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Beijing has closed scenic areas, halted construction work and evacuated thousands of residents as heavy rains hit the Chinese capital on Wednesday evening.

The metropolis of over 21 million people has issued an orange alert -- the second highest alert level -- for rainstorms, as well as alerts at various levels for strong winds, flash floods and waterlogging.

The highest precipitation has been recorded in Beijing's suburban Fangshan District at 100.3 millimeters, with maximum rainfall in the city proper recorded in Haidian District at 69.6 millimeters, according to Beijing's weather authorities.

The city has placed more than 130,000 people on emergency standby in case of flooding, and approximately 20,000 residents have been evacuated as of 7 p.m., according to the Beijing Emergency Management Bureau.

A total of 161 scenic areas in Beijing have been closed, and work on 3,800 construction sites has been suspended, the bureau said.

Downpours are expected to last until Friday evening. The city's meteorological authorities have advised residents to reduce outdoor activities and avoid travel to mountainous areas.

The Ministry of Water Resources on Wednesday activated a Level-IV emergency response to flooding in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, in anticipation of severe rainfall and potential flooding. ■