China forecasts more than seven typhoons

A drill is held in Lianjiang, East China's Fujian province to prepare for possible typhoons, May 12, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - The number of typhoons that will land along China's coastal areas this year is estimated to be between seven and nine, the National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center said on Sunday.

Though the figures are similar to that of last year, typhoons are becoming more destructive due to climate change, according to Zhang Zhihua, an official with the center.

The possibility of an increase in violent typhoons can not be ruled out, Zhang said.

"The typhoons coming this year are expected to have a bigger impact on coastal provinces like Zhejiang and Fujian which lie along the East China Sea," said Li Benxia, another official with the center.