HAIKOU, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The southern Chinese island province of Hainan upgraded its emergency response to typhoon Yagi to the highest level at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, according to the provincial disaster management authority.

Yagi, the 11th typhoon of the year, has developed into a super typhoon of level 17, packing winds of up to 209 km per hour, and is advancing toward Hainan, according to the provincial meteorological bureau.

The typhoon is forecast to make landfall on Friday afternoon somewhere between the city of Wenchang in Hainan and Xuwen County in Guangdong Province, the bureau said.

Starting Wednesday, over 78,000 fishermen and offshore construction and oil drilling workers in Hainan had ceased operations and were evacuated. An estimated 240,000 people in Wenchang are expected to be relocated, along with more than 28,300 residents in hazardous areas, including those in dilapidated houses and landslide-prone regions across Hainan.

Haikou, capital of Hainan, began suspension of work, schools, public transportation and other services starting from noon. Multiple scenic spots across Hainan have been temporarily closed.

All inbound and outbound flights at Haikou Meilan International Airport are expected to be canceled from 8 p.m. Thursday until Friday night.

The high-speed railway loop line in Hainan and Haikou city train services will be suspended starting at 6 p.m. Thursday. Additionally, taxi, bus and other passenger transport services in Haikou will temporarily cease operations from 10 p.m.

Over 100 boats and vessels, 37 fire trucks, 11 rescue aircraft and 293 fire and rescue personnel have been mobilized in areas likely to be affected by the typhoon to ensure full preparedness for emergency response, according to Hainan's fire and rescue department.

On Thursday, the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters also raised its emergency response for flood and typhoon prevention from level IV to level III in Guangdong Province.

Zhuhai, a coastal city in Guangdong, suspended classes on Thursday. Enditem

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