Authorities work to restore normalcy in Beijing after floods

More efforts will be made to restore normalcy for residents of Beijing affected by the heavy rains that brought floods to some parts of the capital city last week, local authorities said.

Damaged bridges and roads are being repaired to secure the delivery of daily necessities and rescue equipment. Workers are also racing against the clock to restore water, electricity and telecommunication services.

Secondary disasters after a flood — such as disease — should be avoided by enhanced monitoring of drinking water and disinfection practices.

Continued monitoring and early warnings should also be enhanced in mountain drainages, abandoned mine sites, tailings ponds and tourist attractions, said Yin Li, Beijing's Party secretary, during a news conference on Sunday.

The safety of residents will be carefully evaluated and garbage and watercourses will be cleared to make sure they can go back to their homes as soon as possible, he said, adding that those people will also be offered sufficient goods at stable prices. Residents at the relocation sites should also be provided with a comfortable environment, he added.

Damaged schools should accelerate repairs so that the autumn semester can begin as scheduled. Companies are encouraged to resume operation as soon as possible.

Medical treatment for the injured, as well as psychological consultations for the family members of victims and insurance compensation services should also be guaranteed to protect people's rights, he said. Government subsidies will be given to help people in difficulty.

Beijing was lashed by major rainstorms from July 29 until last Tuesday — weather brought by Typhoon Doksuri. The city's Mentougou and Fangshan districts were hit hardest, with some homes destroyed and tens of thousands of people evacuated.