Fishing boats in Ningde City of the coastal province of Fujian in east China are heading back to port for shelter as Typhoon Saudel approaches.
According to China's National Meteorological Center, Typhoon Saudel, this year's 18th typhoon, is expected to enter the East China Sea on Wednesday and gradually approach the coastal areas of east China.
Ningde is maintaining a Level III emergency flood response and intensifying efforts to organize fishing boats, fish rafts and passing vessels to take precautions against strong winds at sea.
At a fishing port in Xiapu County, fishing boats completed their day's work one after another and entered the port area and tied up Monday afternoon.
"After receiving the typhoon warning at sea, we pulled in our nets ahead of schedule and rushed back to the port. We still need to hurry up and unload the catch from the boat. Once unloading is done, we will go ashore to take shelter from the typhoon, as required," said Liang Zhaobao, a local fisherman.
The Fujian Provincial Bureau of Ocean and Fisheries has required all fishing vessels to return to port to seek shelter by 18:00 on Tuesday, and instructed all crew members on board to evacuate to shore.
"We are continuously monitoring the location and status of fishing vessels at sea. After the vessels return to port, we will implement various safety measures," said You Mingcan, a staff member of the county's administrative law enforcement brigade.
China has a four-tier flood-control emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe.
Fishing boats return to port as Typhoon Saudel approaches Fujian
