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Beijing has been drenched by its heaviest rainfall in 140 years

Beijing has been drenched by its heaviest rainfall in 140 years. Downpours have caused severe flooding across the city, destroying roads, infrastructure, and businesses. More than 20 people are known to have died, and 1.5 million people have been evacuated. The floodwaters could take a month to recede.

Cause of the Flooding in Beijing

The torrential rain was brought to the region by Typhoon Doksuri. Doksuri has also lashed the Philippines and Taiwan, China. While Doksuri's power is now ebbing, another storm, Typhoon Khanun, is now battering the region. Japan is being hit by winds of up to 100 mph, and Khanun is now heading for South Korea.

Impact of the Flooding

The flooding has caused widespread damage to property and infrastructure. Roads have been washed away, bridges have collapsed, and homes have been destroyed. Businesses have been forced to close, and many people have been left homeless. The flooding has also disrupted transportation and communication networks.

Climate Change Connection

Climate change is making typhoons and hurricanes faster, wetter, and stronger. It's driving a rise in extreme weather around the world. Canada is experiencing its worst wildfire season on record. Heatwaves have scorched parts of the US, China, Southern Europe, and North Africa. Antarctica's level of sea ice hit a record low this year. Experts say we must make rapid cuts to fossil fuels to avert the worst effects of climate change.

The flooding caused by Typhoons Doksuri and Khanun is a reminder of the devastating impact of climate change. We must take urgent action to reduce our emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. Otherwise, we will continue to see more extreme weather events like this in the future.

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Nature and BiodiversityGeographies in Depth
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Simon Torkington

September 3, 2024

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