Storms dump a year of rain on northern China

Storms in northern China have poured nearly a year's rainfall on Baoding, an industrial city on the doorstep of capital Beijing, forcing over 19,000 people out of their homes as streets began to go under water and roads were cut off.

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As much as 448.7 mm (17.7 inches) of rain fell in Yi, an area in western Baoding, in the 24 hours to early on Friday morning, triggering flash floods, causing power outages in some villages and damaging bridges and roads, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

The rainfall set records at a number of weather stations in Hebei province, which Baoding is part of. Official records show annual rainfall in Baoding averages above 500 mm.

There were no immediate reports of casualties, any people missing or damage in state media.

Some 19,453 people from 6,171 households were evacuated, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) said in a social media post.

The forecaster did not mention where the residents were moved to, but shared a short clip showing two policemen in neon rain jackets boot-deep on a waterlogged street as rain poured down.