(Corrects typo in “channelled” in first paragraph)
BEIJING, July 9 (Reuters) – Cities and provinces in northern China are on alert for intense rainfall on Friday as Typhoon Bavi — potentially the most powerful storm the country has seen in years — channelled moisture northward.
• In Beijing, authorities issued the highest-level heavy-rain alerts for six of 16 districts, forecasting up to 150 mm of rain within six hours in some areas.
• Districts including Miyun and Fangshan on the city’s outskirts shut down in-person school classes and outdoor activities, asking the public to stay indoors from Thursday afternoon, notices showed.
• Authorities warned of heightened risks of flash floods, mudslides and landslides on Friday and over the weekend.
• Extreme rain last July killed at least 60 people in northern China, including over 30 residents at a care home.
• Residents of some high-risk areas in Beijing’s suburbs were evacuated on Thursday.
• Beijing’s municipal government shut down parks, public events, some construction projects and train services.
• The neighbouring city of Tianjin also issued an alert for heavy rainfall.
• Authorities in the provinces of Hebei and Shanxi also issued alerts for downpours and high winds.
(Reporting by Xiuhao Chen and Ryan Woo; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
