Heavy rains hit northern China

Some areas in northern China are experiencing a round of heavy rains since Sunday.

The areas affected include Beijing, Tianjin, as well as the provinces of Hebei, Shanxi, Henan and Shandong.

The National Meteorological Center renewed on Sunday its orange alert, the second-highest of the four-tier system, for rainstorms across the country. In China's four-tier weather warning system, red represents the most severe, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

Non-essential organizations and companies in Beijing are advised to employ flexible or staggered working hours on Monday and residents told to stay at home.

In view of the expected heavy rainfall, the Beijing municipal education commission issued a notice on Sunday, requiring all primary and secondary schools as well as kindergartens to close on Monday. Colleges and universities have been asked not to organize outdoor activities.

Mountainous areas are at risk of secondary disasters such as floods and mountain torrents, while water logging is expected in low-lying urban areas.

The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism issued a notice on Sunday morning, ordering all scenic spots in mountainous areas and rural bed and breakfasts to be closed from Sunday noon.