Nearly 80,000 people evacuated from their homes as torrential rain causes widespread damage in Chinese capital’s mountainous north

The scheme is China's first nationwide subsidy of its kind as the government tries to tackle a looming demographic crisis.

At least 30 people have been killed in floods that have inundated large parts of northeastern China. More than 80,000 people have been relocated from their homes after more than 543.4mm (21.4 inches) of rain fell in areas around Beijing over recent days.

British and Australian officials blasted China over a range of grievances, from Hong Kong to the South China Sea.