Thousands of people threatened by storm-swollen rivers were extricated in China’s northeast on Friday while residents on the outskirts of Beijing cleared debris from flooding that wrecked roads, knocked out power and left neighbourhoods in shambles.
China is struggling with record-breaking rains in some areas while others suffer scorching summer heat and drought that threatens crops. Flooding near Beijing and in neighbouring Hebei province this week killed at least 22 people.
Xie Xin, who lives in the western outskirts of Beijing, said the floodwaters had risen so fast that his family’s house was submerged in less than 10 minutes.
“Objects can be replaced,” said Xie,
