A powerful windstorm swept through the Chinese mainland on Saturday, leaving widespread impacts in its wake. This extreme weather event serves as a striking reminder that our interconnected world is not immune to nature's force.
According to the Beijing Municipal Landscaping and Forestry Bureau, over 29,629 emergency personnel and 4,394 vehicles were deployed to combat the havoc caused by 1,202 uprooted trees and 4,336 large broken branches. In major cities like Beijing, Tianjin, and Henan, wind speeds hit hurricane-force levels at nearly 500 national weather stations, setting new records for the region.
Authorities took swift action by closing 336 parks in Beijing, including its 13 major municipal parks, to ensure public safety. The destructive winds also caused severe damage in provinces such as Shanxi and Henan, with rooftops and glass windows being ripped from buildings.
The aviation sector faced significant disruptions as well, with over 3,200 domestic flights canceled by midday – marking the highest single-day cancellation figure this year. As the storm expanded further, reaching southern regions along the Yangtze River, local authorities urged residents to stay alert and follow updated safety advisories.
For globally minded readers, from young global citizens to tech enthusiasts and digital nomads, this incident underscores the urgent need to prepare for increasingly volatile climate conditions. It also sparks important discussions on resilience and the future of infrastructure in a rapidly changing world.
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Severe winds wreak havoc across N China, disrupting travel and tourism
cgtn.com
