Fujian in east China is getting poised for the powerful Typhoon Gaemi, which is projected to hit the province's coast between Thursday afternoon and evening.

According to a report by China Central Television (CCTV), China’s National Meteorological Center issued a red alert, the highest level, for Typhoon Gaemi on Wednesday and continued this alert into Thursday morning. This marks the first red alert for a typhoon issued this year.

The typhoon made landfall in eastern Taiwan's Yilan County around midnight Thursday, leaving two dead and 201 injured. It is forecast to move northwest at 10 km per hour and make its second landfall along the coast between Xiuyu and Lianjiang in Fujian, and then it is projected to continue to move further inland to the north.

Currently, Daitou, a coastal town in Fujian's Putian City, is the closest area to the approaching typhoon. As of Thursday noon, the town was just over 100 kilometres from the centre of Typhoon Gaemi.

The local meteorological department reported that wind gusts in Putian have reached level 12. The winds are so intense that ocean waves crashing into the coastline can splash up to three to four meters high.

Marine aquaculture is crucial to Putian's economy. In preparation for the upcoming powerful typhoon, local government has taken steps to protect both the livelihoods and safety of fishers in the past few days. These measures include strengthening locals' offshore farming facilities, relocating small fishing boats to safer areas, and increasing patrols and surveillance in ports and bay areas to prevent people from going out to sea when the strong typhoon comes.

In addition to coastal measures, inland areas of Putian City are also preparing for the typhoon by pruning street trees and reinforcing roadside billboards to ensure public safety. Besides, the city has launched a level III emergency response for rainstorm prevention, with government staff inspecting and clearing of low-lying areas, drains, and rivers to manage potential heavy rainfall.

According to the Ministry of Water Resources on Wednesday, Typhoon Gaemi is projected to last for six days after making landfall in Fujian on Thursday and to affect seven major river basins in China.

"Typhoon Gaemi is projected to move from the southern parts of China and to impact the Pearl River, Taihu Lake, Yangtze River, Huaihe River, Yellow River, Haihe River, and Songliao River Basin, covering all seven major river basins. It’s moving slowly, which gives it time to gather strength. With the southwest monsoon adding moisture, the typhoon has a lot of water vapor which may lead to heavy rainfall. Based on the projected path of the typhoon, affected areas may see total rainfall amounts ranging from 70 to 130 millimeters," said Yin Zhijie, Chief Hydrology Forecaster at the ministry.