Beijing braces for heavy downpour

Beijing is preparing for predicted downpours, with the capital's meteorological bureau forecasting the arrival of heavy rainfall as the city enters its flood season this year.

The government is strengthening road patrols, especially looking for cave-ins, in low-lying areas and the mountainous region in the northern part of the city, according to the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport.

More than 180 emergency vehicles with 2,700 staff have been assigned to public transportation patrol in case of any emergency.

In addition, taxi companies have deployed an additional 3,200 cabs to ensure efficient public transportation while the Beijing Subway has prepared more than 10,000 disposable raincoats for metro riders.

The government has warned the public to stay indoors and away from mountainous areas to avoid a tragedy.

Beijing last year witnessed its worst downpour in 61 years, which claimed 79 lives and caused an economic loss of up to 10 billion yuan ($1.63 billion), according to the Beijing municipal government.

Millions of people across the capital were affected by flooding last year with thousands evacuated from their homes. The southwestern district of Fangshan was the hardest hit.