Civil affairs agencies in areas along China's eastern coast have been alerted to prepare for typhoon Muifa as it approaches the mainland. The storm decreased in strength on Wednesday night, going from a super typhoon to a severe typhoon. However, it is still expected to be one of the most powerful storms to hit China in recent years.

Civil affairs agencies in areas along China's eastern coast have been alerted to prepare for typhoon Muifa as it approaches the mainland.

Typhoon Muifa is heading towards China's southeastern coast at a speed of 13 km per hour.

Meteorological authorities predict that Muifa will likely make landfall on Saturday night and cause significant damage.

China has issued an orange alert for high waves in the East China Sea as the typhoon approaches. Orange is the second-highest level in the country's four-level high wave alert system.

The eastern region of the East China Sea is likely to see waves of 6 to 9 meters high.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs has issued a circular ordering its subordinate agencies in China's eastern and southeastern cities to monitor the situation closely and carry out disaster relief operations in a timely manner.

Government-run storage bases for relief materials are also advised to prepare for the possible dispersal of their stored materials.

Zhejiang provincial marine fishery authorities have asked 2,000 fishing boats to return to harbor before 12:00 a.m. Saturday.

In addition, local authorities in seaside areas likely to be affected by the typhoon are preparing for a possible evacuation.

Authorities in Fujian Province have also called more than 5,000 fishing vessels back to the city's harbor.

And Shanghai railway authorities have established an inspection team to examine high-speed railway facilities, stating that some train services may run behind schedule or even be halted if the storm is too severe.