Beijing to Activate Level II Flood Emergency Response as Typhoon Brings Heavy Rain
Beijing is set to activate a Level II flood emergency response across the city on the morning of August 11, as the capital prepares for a period of heavy to torrential rainfall driven by the outer circulation of Typhoon White Dolphin. The announcement, made by the Beijing Flood Control Office via the Beijing Emergency WeChat public account, comes after the Beijing Meteorological Station issued an orange rainstorm warning on the morning of August 10.
Weather Forecast and Expected Impact
The Beijing Meteorological Station issued the orange rainstorm warning on the morning of August 10, forecasting heavy rain to torrential rain from the evening of August 11 through the daytime of August 13. According to CCTV News, most areas of the city are expected to see 6-hour cumulative rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters and 24-hour cumulative rainfall exceeding 150 millimeters, with the strongest rainfall period forecast for the early morning through night of August 12.
Particularly heavy rainfall is expected in the districts of Fangshan, Daxing, Tongzhou, Mentougou, and the Economic Development Zone, where 6-hour cumulative rainfall could reach 150 millimeters or more and 24-hour cumulative rainfall could exceed 200 millimeters.
High Risk of Geological Disasters
The meteorological authorities have warned that the risk of flash floods, mountain torrents, mudslides, and landslides in mountainous and shallow mountainous areas is extremely high. Low-lying areas are also highly susceptible to waterlogging. The Beijing Flood Control Office has urged residents to pay close attention to weather forecasts, follow flood control requirements, take early evacuation measures, avoid waterlogged roads, stay away from rivers and low-lying areas, and refrain from entering mountainous areas for recreation. In case of danger, residents are advised to call 119 or 110.
Regional Impact of Typhoon White Dolphin
The current weather event is part of a broader pattern of severe weather affecting multiple regions across China as Typhoon White Dolphin, the 13th typhoon of the 2026 season, brings heavy rainfall to the country. The National Flood Control Headquarters and the Ministry of Emergency Management activated a Level IV flood emergency response for Hubei and Shandong on the morning of August 10, citing forecasts of heavy rain or torrential rain in central and northern Hubei and parts of Shandong through August 13.
Additionally, the Ministry of Natural Resources activated a Level IV geological disaster response for Hebei, Henan, and Hubei on the morning of August 10, following assessments that parts of southern Hebei, western and northern Henan, and western Hubei face a relatively high risk of geological disasters over the next three days.
Beijing’s Flood Preparedness Context
Beijing operates a four-tier flood emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe. The activation of a Level II response signals significant flood risk requiring city-wide coordination and preparedness measures. The city has experienced multiple significant rainfall events during the 2026 flood season, including a July 9-12 event that triggered the season’s first orange rainstorm warning and led to the evacuation of over 100,000 people, as well as additional heavy rain events in early August affecting the Miyun and Huairou districts.
Beijing has developed comprehensive flood prevention protocols, including real-time monitoring of rainfall and river levels, pre-positioning of emergency response teams and equipment, public warning systems through WeChat and other channels, and evacuation plans for at-risk areas.
What to Watch For
As the strongest rainfall period approaches on August 12, authorities will be closely monitoring river levels, urban waterlogging, and conditions in mountainous areas. Residents and visitors are advised to stay informed through official channels and follow all safety guidance issued by flood control authorities. The activation of the Level II response on August 11 marks a significant escalation in the city’s preparedness, reflecting the seriousness of the forecast conditions.