Exclusive: Typhoon Haitang closes on the southeast coast as three provinces go to top alert

• Landfall expected before dawn Saturday in Fujian; force 14 sustained, gusting to 16
• More than 210,000 coastal residents relocated; high-speed rail and ferries suspended
• Three emergency teams dispatched to coordinate flood and typhoon preparations

Forecasters expect landfall along the Fujian coast before dawn on Saturday, with sustained winds near the centre reaching force 14. More than 210,000 people have been moved from coastal areas.