(cctv.com)
Updated: 2007-09-19 10:00

Typhoon Wipha is now approaching Zhejiang Province after having gained strength. People there are on high alert and authorities are taking urgent measures, bracing themselves for its arrival.

Wipha's edge has already passed over northern Taiwan, bringing with it downpours and prompting schools, offices and markets to close. The major port of Keelung stopped all traffic on Tuesday, while five airlines canceled international flights.

The local weather bureau has predicted Wipha will arrive in Zhejiang early Wednesday morning. However, it is also possible that it could veer to the right and not make landfall at all. Nevertheless, Zhejiang's weather experts have issued a "super" level typhoon emergency alert.

The provincial government has launched an urgent response plan, requiring authorities to make necessary preparations. Beach resorts and sea farms have been evacuated. Ferry services have been suspended, with tens of thousands of vessels taking shelter at ports.

Weather experts in Shanghai expect Wipha's center to pass over the city Wednesday evening. It's likely to be the most destructive storm in the region in the past decade.

Shanghai has evacuated nearly 200,000 residents living in coastal or low-lying rural areas.Torrential rain and strong winds are also expected in Fujian and Jiangsu provinces in East China.