China's National Flood and Drought Control Command Headquarters on July 8 activated a level IV emergency response level for storm and flood prevention in Zhejiang and Fujian, Xinhua News Agency reported.
The Chinese Ministry of Emergency Management said that the National Flood and Drought Control Command Headquarters will continue to upgrade or adjust the response level depending on the diễn biến of the storm.
According to the latest storm news from the Chinese meteorological agency, Typhoon Ba Vi is located in the sea area about 1,490km southeast of Jilong, Taiwan (China).
Typhoon Ba Vi is forecast to move westward, then gradually move northwest at a speed of about 15-20 km/h. The typhoon is likely to make landfall in the coastal area from Fu Qing, Fujian province to Wenling, Zhejiang province on the night of July 11.
Also according to Xinhua News Agency, coastal provinces in eastern China have simultaneously strengthened response measures as Typhoon Ba Vi, storm number 9 of this year, approaches the mainland.
In Zhejiang, one of the localities predicted to be directly affected by the storm, authorities have activated an emergency response mechanism for storms in offshore waters.
The provincial flood and drought prevention and control command agency requests coastal localities and functional agencies to closely monitor storm developments and fully prepare response plans. Measures include arranging safe shelters for key ships, bringing fishing boats into ports to avoid storms, temporarily suspending sea transport routes and closing tourist attractions at sea.
In Fujian province, strong winds and rough seas caused by Typhoon Ba Vi disrupted coastal traffic activities on July 8. Maritime authorities have temporarily suspended passenger ferry routes and strengthened emergency response preparations.
By 12:00 on July 8, 8 coastal ferry routes and 22 passenger ferries had to temporarily stop operating. The provincial government also requested 110 construction projects at sea under construction along the coast to temporarily stop all operations.
The Fujian Maritime Administration has activated the level III emergency response level for the storm, and at the same time conducted safety inspections and continued to issue warnings to sea transport enterprises, construction units at sea and ships anchored at the port.
Functional forces have deployed rescue resources in advance, including 2 large rescue ships, 4 rescue helicopters and 48 patrol boats, to ensure quick response when an emergency situation occurs.
