Typhoon Noul, the 12th typhoon of the year, is expected to make landfall along the coast between Hong Kong and Lufeng in south China's Guangdong Province later Saturday or early Sunday, prompting authorities to strengthen emergency response measures.
China's flood control and emergency management authorities held an emergency meeting on Saturday to assess the typhoon's latest developments and coordinate response efforts.
According to the latest forecast, Noul is expected to make landfall at the typhoon level or severe typhoon level before moving inland.
A Level-IV emergency response for flood and typhoon control has been activated in coastal provinces of Guangdong and Fujian, with a working group dispatched to Guangdong to assist local authorities.
A Level-IV emergency response for geological disasters has also been activated in the two provinces.
Authorities said emergency measures will be adjusted in line with the typhoon's track and impact.
The meeting also highlighted heavy rainfall expected in parts of northern China over the next three days, urging precautions against secondary disasters and timely evacuation of residents from high-risk areas.
In Shanwei City, Guangdong Province, local authorities raised the typhoon emergency response to the highest level on Saturday as the city braced for strong winds and torrential rain.
Coastal tourist attractions, outdoor venues and other public facilities have been closed, while community workers have been helping residents relocate to safer areas.
Fishing boats have returned to ports, offshore workers have been evacuated, and some high-speed rail services in the province have been suspended.
Shops and other buildings in coastal areas have been reinforced with wooden boards and sandbags and tape placed in crisscross patterns across windows to reduce the risk of shattered glass. Authorities have also inspected temporary structures, billboards and other vulnerable facilities as part of broader efforts to minimize the storm's impact.
China has a four-tier emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe.
Typhoon Noul to make landfall near Hong Kong, Guangdong coast in south China
