Before the Flood: Beijing Makes Improvements to Warning System

I navigated around puddles for a 20 minute walk this morning only to reach Wanda Plaza and find it covered in a solid layer of water, like a melted ice skating rink. Needless to say, my canvas shoes are soaked.

Still, today's rain is nothing compared to some of the downpours we saw last year, like the record breaking storm that killed more than 70 people. In anticipation of another season of heavy rain, the city put in place new measures last week to warn citizens of flooding before it happens.

Not only do Beijing officials promise to have more "flood-fighting" resources on hand, they've installed "16 professional flood fighting teams" to combat rain this summer, according to the China Daily.

Residents will also receive notification with details about flood warnings promptly after a colored alert is issued. Red and orange alerts are severe, and notifications will follow five minutes after these are received. Blue and yellow alerts will have notifications within 15 minutes of issuance.

This comes after heavy criticism following last July's storm, when netizens complained "warnings had been inadequate."

No word yet about how to sign up for these alerts, but we'll keep you posted on any severe weather news on our blog and on weibo.