The Facts
Record-breaking downpours have flooded Beijing and surrounding areas in recent weeks, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and killing at least 33 people, including five rescuers. Officials say 18 others are missing, while much of the country's north remains threatened by heavy rainfall.
As many as 59K homes collapsed in the mountainous western outskirts of Beijing as a result of heavy rainfall. Almost 150K others were damaged and more than 15K hectares (37K acres) of cropland were flooded.
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
Beijing is fully focused on post-disaster recovery following this latest heavy rainfall. Hydraulic facilities and residential housing are being repaired, all while the government continues with the construction of improved infrastructure to future-proof transport, energy, communication, and other facilities against further extreme weather. This situation is being effectively addressed and the residents of affected areas are the government's top priority.
Anti-China narrative
The damage done by flooding in Beijing and Hebei could take years to repair, all while regions elsewhere in China tackle the threat of drought. Dealing with these concurrent disasters could pose a serious challenge to Beijing's one-party, top-down political system, as it may make local authorities unwilling or unable to respond. Pres. Xi Jinping is continuing to lead China into a future dominated by fossil fuel investment and restricted regional or localized power, but the increasing effects of climate change and, therefore, extreme weather, will make these choices environmentally and politically unsustainable.
