Beijing officials admit 'gaps' in readiness after rain kill dozens

A flood damaged car is seen following heavy rains over the past few days in Huairou district, on the outskirts of Beijing.[AFP]

Beijing city officials admitted on Thursday they had not been prepared for heavy rains that soaked swathes of the capital, killing 44 people and leaving nine still missing.

Swathes of northern China endured deadly rains and floods since last week that forced the evacuation of tens of thousands.