Typhoon Koinu set to hammer Guangdong

Heavy rainstorms, gales predicted in coastal regions after havoc in Taiwan

Heavy rainstorms and strong winds will hit southern China in the next couple of days as Typhoon Koinu approaches the coast of Guangdong province after killing one and injuring hundreds in the island of Taiwan.

In a forecast on Friday, the National Meteorological Center said that Koinu, the 14th typhoon this year, will bring winds of up to 144 kilometers per hour near its center, and gales and rainstorms are expected to lash the country's southern and southeastern regions from Friday to Saturday.

The typhoon, with its center at about 200 kilometers off the coast of Guangdong on Friday afternoon, is expected to travel westward at five to 10 km/h and gradually move closer to the eastern coastal areas of the province, the center said.

As of Sunday, the typhoon is expected to turn southwest and gradually weaken its intensity, the center said.

Although the current forecast did not predict a landfall anytime soon, due to the typhoon's impact, Fujian and Guangdong provinces are still expected to see heavy rainstorms from Friday afternoon until Saturday afternoon, with precipitation reaching 50 to 90 millimeters.

Meanwhile, gales are forecast to sweep parts of the East China and South China seas, as well as the coastal areas of Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong and Taiwan, it said.

The center urged local authorities to prepare typhoon emergency response measures and remain on high alert for possible floods and geological disasters.

Authorities in Shantou, Guangdong province, placed traffic restrictions on some of the cross-sea bridges starting from Friday.

To brace for the severe typhoon, coastal cities in Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang and Taiwan kept their scenic spots closed for the sake of safety. In addition, tourist ferries, outdoor performances and flights remained suspended.

Resumption of services will depend on the progress of the typhoon and its impact on the regions. Authorities urged people to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.

As of Friday morning, the typhoon has caused one death and 356 injuries. A total of 360,000 houses have experienced blackouts, according to the emergency center in Taiwan.

China has a four-tier color-coded warning system for typhoons, with yellow representing the thirdmost severe level.