BEIJING, July 24 -- China's State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Thursday launched a Level-IV emergency response to flooding in five northern regions, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.

Heavy rain is expected to persist through Saturday across Beijing, Hebei, Shanxi, Jilin and Ningxia, with some areas likely to experience torrential downpours, meteorological authorities said.

A working team has been deployed to Jilin to support local flood control efforts.

On Thursday, the headquarters also initiated a Level-IV emergency response to the typhoon in the eastern coastal provinces of Zhejiang and Fujian, as the seventh typhoon of the year approaches, bringing strong winds and heavy rains.

China has a four-tier emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe response.