Beijing Hit by Severe Flooding as Remnants of Typhoon Dolphin Sweep Across China

BEIJING — Torrential rain linked to the remnants of Typhoon Dolphin has caused widespread flooding and transport disruption in Beijing after the storm dumped exceptional rainfall across several regions of China.

Dolphin was the most powerful typhoon to strike China so far in 2026. Although it weakened after making landfall, the system continued drawing huge amounts of tropical moisture inland, demonstrating how tropical cyclones can remain dangerous even after their strongest winds have subsided.

In Beijing, roads were flooded and vehicles became partially submerged as heavy rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems.

Authorities suspended around 250 bus routes, closed approximately 150 tourist attractions and imposed speed restrictions on sections of the capital's underground rail network.

The Changping district recorded 90.7 millimetres of rain in just one hour, an extremely intense rainfall rate capable of causing rapid urban flooding.

Other regions have also recorded exceptional totals. Rainfall records were reported in parts of Zhejiang, Henan and Hubei as Dolphin's remnants moved across eastern and central China.

Flooding creates multiple risks beyond immediate property damage. Landslides become more likely on saturated slopes, transport systems can be damaged, and contaminated floodwater can create public-health concerns.

Chinese emergency services remain focused on drainage, transport safety, evacuation where necessary and monitoring rivers and reservoirs.

The episode is also drawing attention to climate resilience. China has suffered several costly extreme-rainfall events in recent years and is investing heavily in forecasting systems, flood-control infrastructure and artificial-intelligence-assisted weather prediction.

Scientists generally caution that no single storm can be attributed solely to climate change. However, a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, increasing the potential for intense rainfall during suitable weather systems.

For communities already affected by Dolphin, the most immediate threat remains continued rainfall rather than wind.