Beijing on alert for heavy rain

Beijing is bracing for a period of heavy rain, which is expected to last from Wednesday night to Friday.

Beijing meteorological station issued a yellow alert for rain and storms at 4:40 p.m. on Wednesday.

China has a four-tier color-coded system for severe weather, with red being the most serious, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

The office of Beijing flood control headquarters warned of high risks of floods and geological disasters in mountainous areas. It also warned that low-lying areas may be inundated.

The office asked people to keep away from rivers, flooded road sections and mountainous regions.

Beijing Drainage Group has checked its flood control facilities and the drainage systems across the city before the rain.

The district of Tongzhou, in the east of the city and in the lower reaches of Beijing's rivers, is also prepared for the upcoming rainstorm.

The flood control department in Tongzhou has prepared 21 large pumps and organized 19 emergency rescue teams.

Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport has organized an emergency team of more than 3,800 people. To ensure traffic safety, Beijing has increased highway, mountain, bridge and underground passage patrols.

Beijing Bus Group will dispatch more buses, especially on routes linking major railway stations in the city, to help passengers.

Moreover, Beijing Subway will install water fenders in its stations to prevent rain water from pouring in. The subway stations operated by Beijing MTR will provide raincoats to passengers for free.