Residents make homes havens for displaced

As torrential rain lashed Beijing's Miyun district on Saturday night, villagers in Shifo, Fengjiayu township, embraced the concept of safety in numbers. Sixty-one people — many from flood-threatened homes — sought shelter in the elevated courtyard of villager He Shuying, whose home became an impromptu refuge during a harrowing night of rain-induced flooding.

Heavy rains began at around 6 pm, and by 8 pm, rising waters had already inundated parts of the village. In nearby Zheng Guoying's home, situated close to the surging Baimaguan River, water rose alarmingly fast.

"Someone was banging on my door," she told The Beijing News. "When I stepped outside, the water in my yard was already up to my calves."

That knock came from a villager who is a member of the Communist Party of China, who was going door-to-door alerting residents to evacuate before it was too late.

Thanks to the swift actions of local Party members and village leaders, all 31 households at risk were evacuated safely by 8:40 pm, said He, who also heads the local women's federation.

"We began sending out messages to residents at 7:14 pm, and Party members went door-to-door to ensure everyone was out," she said.

With floodwaters rising and homes damaged, many of the displaced were brought to He's courtyard, which sits on higher ground. The small home soon filled with 61 people, including residents from neighboring villages. He cleared every available space for the elderly to rest, while younger villagers sat under a shed in the yard. Throughout the night, villagers took shifts monitoring the water level.

Despite a lack of electricity and running water the following morning, He kept spirits high and bellies full.

"We ate whatever we had — noodles, eggs and fried dough. Just something warm to keep everyone going," she said. "I must have cooked four or five pots of noodles."

Other villagers also opened their homes. Li Shuhui took in 14 people that night.

"It didn't matter if I knew them — anyone who knocked, I let in," she said.

Her three-room house quickly became packed, with older residents resting on sofas and beds while younger ones stood or sat on stools.

"Everyone was soaked. I handed out dry clothes and collected a whole basin full of wet ones. Once water supply is back, I'll wash and return them."

By Monday morning, access roads to the village remained muddy and blocked by debris. Excavators worked to clear the G234 national highway, which connects Shifo and neighboring Xizhuangzi village. The Baimaguan River flowed rapidly beside the road, still swollen from the storm.

Emergency supplies — including bottled water, instant noodles and sausages — have since arrived, providing much-needed support to those who remain displaced. With some homes severely damaged and a red alert for heavy rain still in effect, many villagers, including elderly residents in their 70s and 80s, continue to shelter in He's home.

She remains steadfast: "As long as they're here, I'll make sure everyone is safe, fed and taken care of."