Thousands evacuated as Typhoon Nesat makes landfall in southeast China

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More than 3,100 people have been evacuated in east China's Fujian Province after Typhoon Nesat hit Taiwan late Saturday.

The typhoon strengthened into a moderate storm Friday, and is already bringing raging waves and strong winds to the east coast.

A motorcyclist attempts to ride through floodwaters, as Typhoon Nesat hits Pingtung County in southern Taiwan on July 29, 2017. /AFP Photo

The Fujian Provincial meteorological station said the typhoon might land in the form of a typhoon or a strong tropical storm early Sunday.

Over 3,100 women, children and elderly had taken to the shore from fish farms by Saturday afternoon, the provincial flood control headquarters said.

The tenth typhoon of the season was expected to land in central to northern Fujian Province late Sunday or early next Monday, according to the station.

Residents walk against the wind as Typhoon Nesat hits Taipei in Taiwan on July 29, 2017. /AFP Photo

Nesat, the first typhoon to hit Taiwan this year, landed in Yilan County late Saturday with winds of up to 40m/s and is expected to sweep across the region until Sunday.

Taiwan's weather bureau warned of torrential rains in eastern and southern counties, with the tropical storm expected to dump as much as 900 millimeters (35.4 inches) of water in some areas.

A family walks in floodwaters as Typhoon Nesat hits Pingtung County in southern Taiwan on July 29, 2017. /AFP Photo

Schools and workplaces were closed in some areas. Most trains running along the east coast were suspended and air travel was also disrupted with domestic flights to the east coast and outlying islands cancelled.

More than 36,000 soldiers are on standby to help with disaster relief operations.

Waves of 4 to 10 meters in height are expected in the southern East China Sea, northeast South China Sea, Taiwan Strait and Bashi Channel. China's State Oceanic Administration (SOA) has issued this year's first orange alert for ocean waves.

The SOA also warned vessels in affected waters to return to port, and urged related departments to close entertainment facilities on beaches.