Beijing on high alert amid torrential rains

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Beijing has closed scenic areas, halted construction work and evacuated thousands of residents as heavy rains hit the Chinese capital on Wednesday evening.

The metropolis of over 21 million people has issued an orange alert -- the second highest alert level -- for rainstorms, as well as alerts at various levels for strong winds, flash floods and waterlogging.

The highest preci