China initiates emergency response as Kai-Tak nears

China's flood control authority on Wednesday initiated a Level IV emergency response to cope with possible flooding as Kai-Tak, the 13th tropical storm of the year, approaches the country's southern regions.

Kai-Tak is forecast to make landfall in coastal regions of Guangdong province on Wednesday night or Thursday morning, bringing heavy rains and gales to the country's southern parts, according to a statement on the website of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters.

Local governments should closely monitor Kai-Tak, issue warnings in a timely manner and take all measures to ensure people's safety, according to the statement.

The flood control authority also asked local governments to call ships back to harbor, reinforce outdoor facilities, relocate fishermen and marine staff and strengthen inspections on reservoirs and dikes to prevent breaches.

The statement said the headquarters has dispatched working groups to Guangdong and Fujian provinces to help coordinate flood relief efforts.

Several typhoons have lashed China since August, causing chaos and resulting in great economic losses.

Typhoons Saola, Damrey and Haikui have affected over 30 million people in 12 provincial regions, leaving 51 people dead and 21 missing as of Monday, according to the country's Ministry of Civil Affairs.