China's Guangdong launches emergency response as typhoon Talim nears

GUANGZHOU -- South China's Guangdong Province launched a level-IV emergency response for typhoons at noon on Saturday as Talim, the 4th typhoon of this year, approaches the province, said the provincial flood control and drought relief authorities.

According to meteorological forecasts, Talim is moving west by north at a speed of 10 to 15 km per hour toward the west of Guangdong and east of Hainan province, and is likely to land in these coastal areas between Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

The meteorological observatory of Guangdong forecast that strong winds and heavy rainfall will hit the province from Monday to Tuesday due to the typhoon, warning of possible damage to coastal ports, seawalls and related facilities, as well as crops.

Guangdong maritime authorities have strengthened traffic safety management for the Pearl River estuary, Qiongzhou Strait, Wanshan Islands and other areas that may be affected, preventing ships from taking the risk of sailing.

The passenger ro-ro ship service in Qiongzhou Strait will be suspended from 6 am Sunday.

China has a four-tier weather warning system, with Level-I being the most severe.