Beijing: The death toll from the rainstorms that have battered the Chinese capital, Beijing, since last week has risen to 44, with nine missing, as authorities acknowledge gaps in “civilian preparedness.”

According to Qatar News Agency, Xia Linmao, the capital’s top official, said during a press conference today that 44 people have been recorded dead, while nine remain missing as a result of the heavy rains that fell on the capital between July 23 and 29. He described the floods as having caused “significant casualties and other losses.”

Out of those deaths, 31 took place at an “elderly care center” in the town of Taishitun in the northeast of the city, Xia said.

The ruling Communist Party boss in the hard-hit Miyun district also admitted there had been “gaps” in readiness. “Our knowledge of extreme weather was lacking. This tragic lesson has warned us that putting people first, putting human life first, is more than a slogan,” he said. “After reflecting on this painful experience, we must always tightly grasp the string of safety,” Yu added.

Large parts of northern China have experienced heavy rains and flooding since last week, leading to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people.