(Photo/Dongjiang Daily)

Chinese authorities activated a national disaster alert and response mechanism for Typhoon Mawar Saturday to help local civil affairs departments prepare for relief work.

Civil affairs departments in southern provinces including Fujian and Guangdong should remain on duty around the clock, according to a notice issued by China National Commission for Disaster Reduction, in coordination with the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

The notice asked local authorities to publicize forecasts regarding Mawar and its predicted routes to enable residents to move to safe places and ships to return to harbor.

Local departments should inform residents to stockpile enough daily necessities for one to three days, it said, adding relief materials and funds should also be prepared to guarantee the basic requirements of disaster-hit residents.

By Saturday afternoon, more than 4,600 fishermen had been evacuated from near-sea areas, another 21,700 people were evacuated from low-lying areas, sheds and areas prone to landslide in Fujian.

A total of 159 scenic spots along the coast in Fujian have been closed. More than 4,600 fishing vessels returned to harbor in the province. Several express train services have been canceled.

The neighboring Guangdong province, where Mawar is expected to make landfall on Sunday afternoon or night, has also made preparations.

Mawar is the 16th typhoon to hit China this year.