Beijing (dpa)
Typhoon Yagi is forecast to hit China later on Friday after causing significant damage and fatalities in the Philippines.
State news agency Xinhua reported that Yagi had intensified over the South China Sea into a super typhoon with wind speeds exceeding 200 kilometres per hour, likely to be the most severe storm in the region in 10 years.
The Chinese government has dispatched task forces to supervise flood and typhoon prevention efforts in the region. Earlier, Yagi had veered westward, passing by the southern Chinese coast.
Heavy rainfall was reported in Hong Kong overnight, leading to cancelled flights and the closure of most schools on Friday.
In Vietnam, where the typhoon is expected on Saturday, precautions have been in place for several days. Numerous soldiers and helpers have been deployed to respond swiftly to the storm and its aftermath.
Four airports, including one in the capital Hanoi, will be closed as a precaution on Saturday.
The German Embassy has warned of "life-threatening storm surges," floods, and landslides, urging tourists in the country to exercise extreme caution.