China's Guangdong steps up precautions for Typhoon Danas

GUANGZHOU, July 6 (Xinhua) -- South China's Guangdong Province on Sunday launched an emergency response to Typhoon Danas -- the fourth typhoon of the year as counted by China's meteorological authorities -- as it intensified, with its center 230 kilometers southeast of Shantou packing winds of up to 36.9 meters per second at 8 a.m., local sources have said.

The provincial emergency management department reported that all 361 vessels that had been in vulnerable waters had returned to port by 2 p.m., and more than 2,000 people had been evacuated from offshore facilities. All five coastal tourist sites in the province have been closed.

Six rescue helicopters have been deployed across key cities, with 21 patrol ships and 64 emergency vessels on standby along the coast.

Meteorologists warn that eastern coastal areas will face heavy rains and gales. The local flood control headquarters has urged heightened vigilance against the impacts of severe weather. ■