China has issued its first red alert of the year as Typhoon Gaemi approaches, prompting authorities and residents in East China to brace for severe weather conditions.
At 10 a.m. on Wednesday, China’s National Meteorological Center elevated the typhoon alert to red, the highest level in the country’s four-tier warning system. Typhoon Gaemi is expected to make landfall along the coast of central or northern Taiwan Island on Wednesday night before crossing over and reaching the mainland.
After traversing Taiwan, the typhoon is projected to make a second landfall between Thursday afternoon and midnight along the coast between Fuding and Jinjiang cities in Fujian Province, East China, according to Fujian’s meteorological authorities.
In response, the Fujian provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters upgraded the emergency response level for typhoons from Level III to Level II, signaling heightened preparedness. Additionally, a Level IV emergency response for rainstorms has been activated, indicating the least severe of the four-tier response system but still warranting caution.
The impending typhoon is expected to bring heavy rainstorms across many parts of Fujian over the next three days. Central and northern coastal areas of the province could experience accumulated rainfall of up to 350 millimeters, with some regions potentially exceeding 600 millimeters.
Local authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure safety. Fishermen have been advised to return to port, and emergency services are on standby to respond to any incidents resulting from the severe weather.
Typhoon Gaemi’s approach underscores the importance of effective disaster preparedness in the face of natural calamities. As the region gears up for the storm, communities are coming together to support one another and minimize potential damage.
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China issues this year's first red alert for typhoon, E China gears up
cgtn.com
