As Typhoon Kong-rey edges closer to the Chinese mainland, East China’s Fujian Province has escalated its emergency response to the second-highest level. The move comes as communities prepare for the 21st typhoon of the year, anticipated to bring severe weather conditions to the region.
On Thursday, provincial authorities issued the heightened alert, prompting swift action to safeguard residents and infrastructure. Railway and maritime officials have suspended several train services and halted 71 coastal passenger ferry routes, directly impacting over 190 vessels. Furthermore, 115 coastal construction projects have been temporarily suspended, reflecting the seriousness of the impending storm.
Specialized rescue forces are on standby, with rescue ships, helicopters, and patrol boats prepared to respond to emergencies. The Fujian maritime authorities have emphasized readiness to protect lives and property as the typhoon approaches.
According to the National Meteorological Center, there remains a possibility that Typhoon Kong-rey could make landfall along the coasts of Fujian or Zhejiang provinces during its northeastward trajectory. The center issued an orange alert on Thursday morning, cautioning that the storm will unleash torrential rains across eastern areas, including Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangsu provinces, and Shanghai, from Thursday afternoon into Friday afternoon.
The heightened alert levels underline the potential severity of Kong-rey’s impact. China operates a four-tier emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe. Similarly, its color-coded weather warning system ranks red as the most critical, followed by orange, yellow, and blue.
Local communities and businesses are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to safety advisories issued by authorities. The suspension of transportation services and construction projects aims to minimize risks and ensure public safety amid the typhoon’s approach.
Typhoon Kong-rey serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the importance of preparedness. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ready to implement additional measures if necessary.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
