HANGZHOU, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- About 50,000 people have been evacuated as east China's Zhejiang Province braces for Rumbia, the 18th typhoon of the year, authorities said.

Influenced by the typnoon, forecast to make landfall between Thursday night and early Friday morning, heavy rain began to hit the northern and coastal regions of the province Thursday.

About 19,637 fishing boats have returned to port while another 576 boats are on their way.

The typhoon is expected to bring strong winds and rain in the next few days, according to the provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters.

Authorities have issued an emergency response and warned potential flood risks.