Prolonged torrential rains in northern China have led to massive flooding and casualties, Interfax reports.

According to Beijing’s Deputy Mayor Xia Linmao, 44 people have died in the Chinese capital, and 9 more are reported missing. In Hebei Province, 16 fatalities have been recorded, including 8 in the city of Chengde. Authorities have lost contact with 18 residents in the region.

Heavy rainfall has persisted in the area for a week, peaking on July 28. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for maximum efforts to ensure public safety and to locate the missing. He also ordered the immediate relocation of residents from high-risk zones.