Continuous heavy rains have struck the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region of China since the super typhoon Doksuri hit northern China on July 29, with multiple areas experiencing flooding, notably Hebei province. The region broke records for heavy rainfall in a week, with up to 1,229,000 people forced to evacuate their homes by 10 a.m. on August 3rd. However, while public concern was focused on the disaster in Hebei, the provincial Party Secretary caused outrage by making a decision for the province to "effectively act as the capital's drainage system."