South China braces for Typhoon Podul. (Photo: Xinhua)

BEIJING, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- China activated a level-IV emergency response on Wednesday for Typhoon Podul, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.

The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has sent three working teams to southern provincial-level regions of Hainan, Guangdong and Guangxi to assist local authorities.

Podul is likely to land on the coast of Hainan late on Thursday or pass by the southern coasts of the island province and head toward northern Vietnam.

The ministry urged relevant authorities to ensure local residents' safety, guard against secondary disasters, and release early disaster warnings.

Under a level IV emergency response, emergency monitoring will be stepped up and reported to the State Council.