China issues red alert as typhoon Nepartak approaches coast

China's State Oceanic Administration (SOA) has issued this year's first red alert, warning people of heavy havoc expected to be caused by typhoon Nepartak which is approaching the Chinese coast.

The SOA estimated that from last night till today, sea waves as high as nine metres will emerge in Taiwan Strait, while coastal waters near Fujian Province will see waves as high as six metres.

160 people were killed and 28 went missing in heavy rains and floods in a number of provinces in the last few weeks ahead of the typhoon. In the worst-hit province Hubei, 69 people died, while 16 were missing, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The SOA also issued a yellow alert storm tides and estimated that the sea level off Fujian Province will rise up to 150 centimetres.

Nepartak landed in Taiwan last morning and reached the Taiwan Strait in the afternoon. It is expected to land in Fujian Province, probably in the area between Xiamen and Putian, around noon today.

The SOA warned ships to return to port and related departments to close beaches and entertainment facilities well in advance.