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Typhoon Doksuri: At least 11 dead in Beijing as heavy rains cause floods and force thousands from their homes

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At least 11 people have died in Beijing after one of the strongest storms to hit the country in years.

Dozens more are missing in the Chinese capital due to days of heavy rainfall, brought by the remnants of Typhoon Doksuri, which has turned roads into rivers.

It has caused widespread flooding in northern China and forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate in several cities, including Beijing.

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Cars submerged after storm hits Beijing

As of Monday night, the city had closed over 100 roads, suspended some underground and overground rail services, and evacuated more than 52,000 people from their homes.

Though the storm is weakening as it moves inland, authorities have warned there is a risk of further flooding.

Thunderstorms and strong winds are forecast for Beijing on Tuesday, as well as for neighbouring city Tianjin and Hebei province, state broadcaster CCTV said.

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Cars are partially submerged due to the heavy rainfall and flooding in Beijing, China

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People gather near a collapsed road in Mentougou District in western Beijing. Pic: AP

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Pic: AP

The rainfall during the past few days has exceeded records from a severe storm in July 2012, when the city recorded 190.3mm (7.5in) of rain in one day.

Beijing recorded an average of 260mm (10.2in) of rainfall from Saturday to early Monday, with the Changping Wangjiayuan Reservoir logging the largest reading at 738.3mm (29in).

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A swollen Yongding river floods the banks near Shougang park. Pic: Kyodo via AP

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Flood defences in one neighbourhood in Beijing

South of Beijing, in Hebei province, one local weather station said the rainfall amounted to 1,003mm (3.3ft) over the three-day period from Saturday to Monday – more than the amount normally seen over half a year. Rainfall in the province averages 605mm (1.9ft) a year.

Doksuri also caused widespread flooding in the southeastern coastal province of Fujian last week, driving 562,000 from their homes and destroying more than 18,000 houses.

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