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China
Deadly Flooding Hits Beijing
Severe flooding caused by torrential rainfall has killed at least 38 people and forced over 80,000 residents to evacuate in Beijing and northern China. Beijing saw up to 21.3 inches (543 mm) of rain, with the mountainous Miyun district suffering the highest number of casualties. Nearby cities such as Chengde and Zhangjiakou also suffered extensive damage, with floods destroying infrastructure, triggering landslides, cutting power to 136 villages, and leaving vehicles stranded. Beijing activated its highest-level flood alert on Monday evening, and more than 730 million cubic meters of water flowed into the Miyun reservoir, the largest in northern China. China’s Emergency Response Ministry reported that natural disasters have already caused nearly $7.6 billion in damages and affected around 25 million people in 2025.
This map depicts the northern Beijing districts of Miyun, Huairou, and Yanqing, which have been most affected by recent floods. Click on the map to learn more.
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Graphic Source: BBC News
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United States
Legionnaire’s Disease Outbreak
Five cases of Legionnaire’s disease, a severe and potentially fatal form of pneumonia, were identified in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood over the weekend. Legionnaire’s disease is caused by the bacterium Legionella, developed when someone inhales contaminated water vapor. Luckily, the disease is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early. According to the New York State Health Department, community outbreaks of Legionnaire’s disease are often related to Legionella bacteria in cooling towers, the big metal boxes on top of buildings used for central air conditioning. Legionnaire’s is most common in individuals at higher risk, like smokers, older adults, and immunocompromised people. Health officials urge New Yorkers to look out for flu-like symptoms, in addition to continuing to drink water and staying cool during the hot summer days.
This map depicts the Harlem zip codes in which cases of Legionnaire’s disease have been diagnosed. Click on the map to learn more.
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Graphic Source: New York Post
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Space
Betelgeuse Has Companion Star
A never-before seen companion star has been observed orbiting Betelgeuse, one of the best known and brightest stars in our night sky. Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star in the Orion constellation which has long fascinated astronomers due to its changing brightness. The primary period of variability in brightness lasts around 400 days, while the second extended dimming timeframe lasts around six years. The existence of Betelgeuse’s companion star, colloquially termed “Betelbuddy”, was a theory coined by astronomers to explain these periods of changing brightness. Now, for the first time, “Betelbuddy” – a hot blue-white star – has been observed and photographed. This is first time a stellar companion has been detected so closely to a supergiant star.
This map depicts the red supergiant star Betelgeuse and its newly discovered companion star, colloquially termed “Betelbuddy”. Click on the map to learn more.
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Q: Which mountain range runs along Eswatini’s western border with South Africa?
A: Drakensberg Mountains
The Drakensberg Mountains are the main mountain range of Southern Africa. The mountains rise to 11,400 feet (3,475 metres) at their tallest peak known as Thabana Ntlenya, and extend roughly northeast to southwest for 700 miles (1,125 km) parallel to the southeastern coast of South Africa. The Drakensberg is part of the Great Escarpment, the plateau edge of southern Africa that lies between the region’s highland interior from its coastal lowlands. The Maloti-Drakensberg Park is a transnational park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, composed of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg National Park in South Africa and the Sehlathebe National Park in Lesotho. One notable feature of the mountains is the presence of extensive rock and cave art: the National Park contains an estimated 690 sites of rock art, with a combined total of over 35,000 individual images.
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Q: Which country boasts over 60 distinct wine regions, making it one of the most geographically diverse wine producers in the world?
Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in tomorrow’s DailyGeo.
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