BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Beijing launched a city-wide Level IV flood control emergency response at 4:30 p.m. Thursday. The municipal flood control office has reminded relevant authorities to implement rain prevention and response measures.

File photo: CFP

The city's meteorological observatory issued a blue rainstorm warning at the same time. From Friday afternoon to early Saturday, the city will see thunderstorms, with some areas expected to experience short-term heavy rainfall exceeding 30 mm per hour, and accumulated rainfall in some areas may surpass 50 mm within six hours.

Relevant authorities have also issued a blue water-logging risk warning and a blue geological disaster risk warning, advising residents to stay updated on weather and avoid low-lying areas. The Beijing drainage group, in the meantime, has activated its Level IV flood control response.