ISTANBUL

Thousands of people moved to safer places in the Chinese capital of Beijing due to heavy rainfall and floods, the state-run Xinhua News reported on Monday.

As of 9 pm local time (1300GMT) on Monday, more than 82,000 people had been relocated from various areas in Beijing due to heavy rainfall, the news agency reported, citing the city's flood control headquarters.

Authorities have shut down 201 tourist attractions, 3,480 homestay businesses, and 245 campsites, while over 3,200 construction sites have halted operations.

A red alert for rainstorms was issued, the highest level in China's four-tier system, with heavy rains expected from Monday afternoon to Tuesday morning.

Beijing has also activated its highest level of emergency flood response, with warnings issued for Miyun District, as well as Fangshan, Mentougou, and Huairou.

Authorities asked residents to seek shelter, avoid driving on flooded roads, and stay away from mountains and rivers.

Last week's storms killed at least 44 people, impacted over 300,000 residents, and damaged approximately 24,000 homes.

China's State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has raised the emergency response level to Level III in Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, and Guangzhou.

The regions are expected to receive more heavy rainfall, and flood prevention efforts will continue.