Chinese officials reported on 31/7 that 31 people died at the Taishitun Elderly Care Center in Miyun district, one of the areas hardest hit by the unusually heavy rainfall that struck the Chinese capital and surrounding areas last week.

The nursing home, situated in a low-lying area near an overflowing river, housed 69 elderly residents, including 55 with disabilities.

When the flood hit, there were 77 people in the facility, including caregivers. Many were unable to escape. Rainfall in Miyun on 28/7 peaked at over 570 mm, a level described as "severely destructive."

Residents of Miyun, Beijing, drive through a flooded street on 28/7. Photo: AFP

Residents of Miyun, Beijing, drive through a flooded street on 28/7. Photo: AFP

Rescue forces previously reported rescuing 48 people from the facility but did not mention the number of deaths.

According to Caixin, an 87-year-old woman managed to escape the nursing home on her own. "I don't know where she got the strength, but she climbed onto the windowsill. Her roommate couldn't get up and drowned," the woman's daughter told the news agency.

The severe flooding has so far killed at least 70 people in Beijing and neighboring provinces. The Chinese capital recorded 44 deaths. Hebei province recorded at least 16 deaths, with many people missing.

Beijing officials admitted to being underprepared for the heavy rain. "Our ability to forecast and warn of extreme weather is still limited, and disaster prevention and mitigation plans are not yet complete," said Xia Linmao, deputy mayor of Beijing. "The construction of infrastructure in mountainous areas still has many shortcomings."

Duc Trung (According to AP, Global Times)