Death toll in Beijing floods hits 33
The death toll from recent flooding in Beijing rose to 33, including five rescuers, and another 18 people are missing, officials said Wednesday, as much of the country's north remains threatened by unusually heavy rainfall. Days of heavy rain hit areas in the capital's mountainous western outskirts especially hard, causing the collapse of 59,000 homes, damage to almost 150,000 others and flooding of more than 15,000 hectares of cropland, according to the city government. Scores of roads were damaged, along with more than 100 bridges, deputy mayor of Beijing Xia Linmao said at a news conference on Wednesday. "I would like to express my deep condolences to those who died in the line of duty and the unfortunate victims," Xia said. He said rescue efforts remained underway.  Of the 18 missing, one of them is a rescuer. Xia said given the level of damage, it could take up to three years to restore full functions.  Other parts of China have also seen heavy flooding, partly from the impact of Typhoon Doksuri over the weekend, leaving dozens dead and missing. (Agencies)