China upgrades emergency response as Typhoon Talim approaches

BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) -- China's State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters Sunday raised its emergency response for typhoons and flooding to Level III as Typhoon Talim, the fourth typhoon of this year, is forecast to make landfall in south China on Monday night.

Affected by the typhoon, heavy rains will lash parts of Guangdong, Hainan, and Guangxi From Sunday to Wednesday, meteorological authorities said.

China has a four-tier flood-control emergency response system, with Level I being the most urgent response. The headquarters has sent work teams to Guangdong and Hainan to provide guidance and support for local disaster relief.

Local authorities are also on the move. Guangdong raised its emergency response for typhoons to the second-highest level on Sunday and has brought nearly 10,000 fishermen and maritime workers back to the shore. Hainan is inspecting reservoirs and preparing a rescue team for possible flooding.