The first typhoon this year, Nepartak, is expected to bring gales and heavy rains to east China. An orange alert, the second highest for heavy rain, has been in effect since Wednesday.

According to authorities, super typhoon Nepartak is moving northwest at a speed of about 30 kilometers per hour. It is expected to make a landfall in Taiwan early on Friday and possibly make another landfall in Fujian on Friday night or Saturday morning. The Provincial Meteorological Bureau said, heavy rains are expected in Zhejiang Province starting Friday night, adding to the already perilous local flood situation.

The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has initiated a class-two emergency response.