The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has upgraded its typhoon emergency response to Level III, the third-highest level, as Typhoon Doksuri moved closer to the Chinese mainland on Wednesday.

It also dispatched four working groups to Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong and Jiangxi provinces to guide local governments in preparation for floods that may be triggered by downpours brought by the cyclone, according to a media release from the Ministry of Emergency Management.

Over 4,000 rescuers, as well as five helicopters, have been mobilized to stand by for emergency situations in the four provinces.

Forecasts show the cyclone will enter the northeastern part of the South China Sea between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning and then make landfall in coastal areas of Fujian and Guangdong provinces on Friday morning.

The cyclone is expected to bring downpours to 10 provincial-level regions as it moves further north after landing, which also includes Anhui, Shandong and Henan provinces and Beijing.

Typhoon Doksuri is expected to result in "arduous tasks" for flood control amid a "grim situation", the release said.

Areas that will be affected should roll out precautionary measures in a detailed manner. One of the priorities in the work is to urgently evacuate people that may be in danger as the cyclone wreaks havoc.

Attention should be paid to medium and small-sized rivers and reservoirs, the release said, adding there should also be tailored measures for the control of mountain torrents, geological disasters and urban floods.

The ministry affirmed authorities across the country should make all-out efforts to avoid casualties and minimize injuries and damages.

houliqiang@chinadaily.com.cn