China initiates emergency response to flooding, typhoon in 2 provinces

BEIJING -- China on Saturday activated a Level-IV emergency response to flooding and typhoon in South China's Guangdong and Hainan provinces, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.

The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has dispatched work teams to Guangdong to assist local flood and typhoon relief efforts, the ministry said.

A tropical depression, formed on the South China Sea on Friday evening, is expected to intensify into this year's 16th typhoon by Saturday. It is likely to make landfall between Sunday night and Monday morning in the central and western coasts of Guangdong, which will bring downpours and gales in the coming days.

China has a four-tier emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe response.