BEIJING: Beijing city officials admitted on Thursday (Jul 31) they had not been prepared for heavy rains that soaked swathes of the capital, killing 44 people and leaving nine still missing. Swathes of northern China have endured deadly rains and floods since last week that forced the evacuation of tens of thousands.

Heavy rains and flooding have killed at least 30 people in Beijing, after a year’s worth of rain fell in less than a week, according to state media. Beijing authorities said they have relocated a further 80,000 residents as rain continues.

Extreme weather killed at least 30 people in Beijing after a year's worth of rain fell in less than a week, forcing the relocation of more than 80,000 people, damaging roads and cutting off power and communications in more than 130 villages.