The water level of the Mentougou section of the Yongding River rises due to persistent rainfall in recent days in Mentougou district of Beijing, July 31, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Tian Yuhao)

Affected by heavy rainfall, one luxury hotel in Beijing's Mentougou district has been heavily damaged by flood waters, with hotel staff members confirming that all guests and employees are safe and accounted for.

According to media reports, a guest at the Xitan Hotel posted a message on social media on Monday, stating that there was poor mobile signal, and limited access to electricity and hot water in the hotel. According to the video released by the guest, the hotel lobby has been destroyed by floods.

On Tuesday, a hotel employee told media that communication has been restored and staff members and guests were being evacuated in an orderly manner.

The hotel took eight years to build and reportedly cost 800 million yuan ($112 million). In order to pursue a sense of seclusion, the hotel is located deep in the mountains. The hotel entered trial operations on April 30, 2022 and charges 6,000 to 15,000 yuan per night.

Photo from web
 

Photo from web

The heavy rainfall in Beijing has also caused damage to other landmark buildings. According to media reports, the collapse of Xiaoqing River Bridge in Fengtai district on Monday caused five cars parked on the bridge to fall into the river below. At present, both ends of the bridge have been sealed off.

Additionally, at around 17:20 on July 30, a road section outside the Jingxi Joy City shopping mall collapsed, with an area of about 24 square meters. According to Shijingshan district authority, there were no casualties, while crews are working to repair the damage. 

Other provinces and regions near Beijing also suffered from rainstorms. According to media reports, the accumulated water in one residential area in Zhuozhou, Hebei Province, had reached near the equivalent of the first story of a building, with a maximum depth of about 5 meters. The basement which was part of the community collapsed as a result. A resident stated that they urgently needed rescue as there was no water, electricity, or gas. A representative from Zhuozhou authority said that the situation was being addressed.

Global Times