"Over 1,200 Fallen Trees" Public Transport Resumes in China After Strong Winds for the First Time in 10 Years

Warning That Those Weighing Less Than 50kg Could Be Blown Away by Strong Winds
Weather Agency Continues to Issue Strong Wind Warnings Around 6 a.m.

Schools that were closed due to strong winds that hit Beijing, China for the first time in 10 years have resumed normal operations, and public transportation that had stopped has also restarted.

Chinese media outlets such as Guangming Wang and CCTV reported on the 14th, "The Beijing Municipal Education Commission announced that elementary schools, middle schools, and kindergartens have resumed normal classes," and "The Beijing Municipal Transportation Commission also announced the resumption of train operations."

Strong winds caused significant damage in Beijing and some parts of northern China. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Buses that had stopped due to the strong wind warning began normal operation from the morning of the same day. Trains started running sequentially from around 8 p.m. the previous day.

Nearly 1,200 flights were canceled in Beijing, Hebei, and Tianjin alone due to the strong winds that began blowing on the 12th. Train services were also suspended at more than 50 locations. Tourist attractions and historic sites such as the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven Park were temporarily closed. Four marathon events scheduled over the weekend were also postponed.

The strong winds caused damage such as roofs being torn off and temporary buildings being destroyed, resulting in vehicle damage. It is reported that more than 1,200 trees were broken or uprooted in Beijing alone due to the strong winds.

Passengers are sleeping while waiting for their flights at Terminal 3 of the Capital International Airport. Photo by AP Yonhap News

Earlier, the China Meteorological Administration advised schools to suspend classes and urged workers to return home quickly. Chinese state media warned that people weighing less than 50 kg could "easily be blown away by the strong winds." Beijing city advised citizens to avoid unnecessary outings and to stay away from signboards, large trees, and similar objects when going outside. Following these reports, citizens stockpiled daily necessities through large supermarkets and online shopping platforms.

According to CCTV, Beijing dispatched more than 30,000 patrol and rescue personnel to maintain and support public facilities such as gas and water supply. They also increased inventory and delivery personnel for daily necessities and strengthened online shopping services to ensure supply. To handle fallen or broken trees, a total of 29,629 patrol and rescue personnel and 4,394 vehicles were deployed.

However, many Chinese media outlets reported that it is still not safe to relax. The Beijing Meteorological Administration continued to issue strong wind warnings around 6 a.m. on the same day. It forecasted localized gusts of level 10 or higher in northern Xinjiang, northern Hebei, the western mountainous areas of Beijing, and the Shandong Peninsula until 8 a.m. on the 15th. The Beijing Meteorological Administration advised, "Strong gusts are expected in the afternoon, so caution is needed for outdoor travel for the time being," and added, "Since there is a large temperature difference between day and night, it is recommended to dress appropriately by layering or removing clothes at the right time to prevent colds."