Typhoon Koinu affects return trips after holiday in China's coastal provinces

FUZHOU/GUANGZHOU, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Typhoon Koinu has affected travellers returning home after the eight-day Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday in the coastal provinces of east and south China, according to local meteorological departments.

Due to the combined impact of cold air and Typhoon Koinu, the 14th typhoon of the year, wind and rain have impacted the provinces of Guangdong and Fujian, posing transportation obstacles to those making return trips.

As of noon on Thursday, Fujian has suspended 54 passenger ferry routes, involving 137 passenger ferries. Guangdong has ceased operations on 42 passenger ferry routes by 11 a.m. Friday.

The meteorological authorities of Fujian warned that heavy rainfall from the typhoon had resulted in slippery roads and poor visibility. Specific segments of roads in the southern coastal regions of Fujian have higher risks.

According to the National Meteorological Center's forecast early on Friday, the typhoon is expected to gradually move closer to the eastern coastal areas of Guangdong, bringing heavy rainstorms to parts of Taiwan, Fujian and Guangdong in the next 24 hours.