Between 29 July and 1 August, Beijing experienced its heaviest rainfall in at least 140 years, resulting in severe urban flooding that caused 33 fatalities, substantial economic losses, and environmental damage (1). Urbanization (2) and climate change (3) have increased the frequency and intensity of urban floods, which have caused damage in other Chinese cities as well (4). Urban flood events, and the population exposed to floods, are expected to increase (5). China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) emphasizes the importance of urban flooding resilience (6) but provides insufficient details about how to implement the changes. To prevent casualties and damage, cities in China must implement the goals outlined in the plan by enhancing the flood resilience of urban infrastructure.
