Beijing fog and rain causes traffic chaos

BEIJING, Aug 1 (Reuters) Heavy rains and fog in Beijing forced flight cancellations and severe traffic jams on major highways, throwing the spotlight on the capital's readiness for the 2008 Olympics.

Beijing's biggest downpour this summer flooded a section of the airport expressway, causing traffic to back up about 15 kilometres and leaving cars stuck for over four hours, the state-run Beijing News said today.

''At 9 a m I got in a cab...arrived at the airport toll gate at 10 a m 1 it's now 1 p m and I still haven't got to the airport!'' the newspaper quoted a woman surnamed Zhu as saying. The toll gate is just a few kilometres from the airport.

Some people abandoned their cars and dragged their luggage up the highway in an attempt to catch flights, the paper said.

But over 360 flights were delayed and 60 cancelled yesterday due to the dual onslaught of fog and heavy rain, and 10 major roads were cut off, according to state media.

Beijing's Olympic Games will open in two years and a week from today. August is usually one of Beijing's wettest months, with regular storms and heavy rains.

When the Olympics opens on Aug 8, 2008, Beijing is expected to be swamped by around 40,000 athletes and officials, 50,000 reporters, 100,000 volunteers and over two million tourists, state media have said.

The Beijing Organising Committee for the Olympic Games today told Reuters it was sure sure new subways and better traffic management would mean a smooth Olympics.

''We are confident and capable that our preparations will ensure safe and punctual traffic management,'' spokesman Sun Weide said.

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