Typhoon, astronomical tides push Shanghai riverwater above warning level

SHANGHAI -- Typhoon Malakas and astronomical tides have pushed the water level of Shanghai's Huangpu River above the warning line, authorities said Sunday.

Malakas, the 16th typhoon in 2016, entered the southern part of the East China Sea on Saturday afternoon, China's National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center said.

According to statistics by Shanghai Flood Risk Information Center, water levels at the sections of Wusongkou, Suzhouhe and Mishidu all exceeded the warning line on Sunday morning.

Rising water levels forced local authorities to launch emergency response measures and shut all tidal gates on Sunday morning. The local flood control headquarters has urged all related departments to stay alert.

Typhoon Malakas comes on the heels of Typhoon Meranti, which has left at least 28 people dead and another 15 missing in eastern China since it made landfall in Fujian Thursday morning.