BEIJING - Chinese authorities on Friday issued a disaster relief alert for typhoon Usagi, which is expected to hit coastal regions of?South China's Guangdong province on September 22.

The warning was issued by the National Disaster Reduction Commission and the Ministry of Civil Affairs, urging local civil authorities to prepare for emergencies and minimize possible losses caused by the typhoon, the 19th to strike China this year.

The commission also asked local authorities to strengthen vigilance, monitor any changes to Usagi's track and issue warnings in a timely manner.

The center of Usagi, one of the strongest typhoons to hit China's southeastern coast this year, was at 625 kilometers southeast of Taiwan's Cape Eluanbi early on Friday, and will continue to strengthen as it moves northwest at a speed of up to 20 km per hour, the National Meteorological Center forecast.