Beijing prepared for predicted heavy rains

Emergency plans have been prepared in the areas of road traffic, relocation and tourism spots in Beijing as the capital's meteorological bureau issued an alert for rainstorms and thunder on Monday.

The Beijing meteorological bureau issued the alert, forecasting medium to heavy rainfall will hit the city and the risk of geological disasters will increase in southern parts of the city.

The capital's flood control office has strengthened prevention and supervision of locations susceptible to floods or landslides, following forecasts of the potential heaviest rain as Beijing enters its flood season this year.

Beijing has had 19 days of rainfall since the beginning of flood season, with an accumulated rainfall of 178 millimeters, a 57.5 percent increase over last year.

The office has also warned the public to stay away from mountainous areas and low-lying courtyards during storms or heavy rainfall and urged drivers to avoid flooded areas.

The precipitation volume may reach up to 200 millimeters within 24 hours, according to the city's meteorological bureau.

The torrential rains may last from Monday night to Wednesday, which may affect traffic and cause mudslides in the suburbs.

Besides the rainstorm alert, the capital's weather forecaster activated its lowest-level emergency response plan to prepare for any accidents triggered by heavy rain.