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9 fishermen missing in SE China as typhoon Morakot nears
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-08-08 05:48

9 fishermen missing in SE China as typhoon Morakot nears

Photo taken on Aug. 7, 2009, shows the flooded areas in Danzhou, south China's Hainan province. Strong rainstorms brought by the tropical storm Goni caused great disaster to the western Hainan areas and the villagers suffered a heavy loss. [Xinhua]
The provincial government has sent 8.4 million text messages to mobile phone users, warning people of its approach.

All of the mainland's three direct shipping routes with Taiwan were closed Friday, after the route between Xiamen City, in Fujian, and Jinmen, in Taiwan, closed Friday afternoon.

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More than 3,300 soldiers at the Armed Police in Fujian are on the alert against strong typhoon. They have prepared plenty life vests and rings, signal emitters, water-proof illumination devices, speed boats and motor vehicles to offer timely help.

According to the Taiwan weather department, Morakot was slowing, but remained a strong typhoon, indicating its impact and the duration would increase.

Taipei stock market and schools in almost all cities and counties on the island closed Friday. Most domestic and some international flights, mostly to Hong Kong, have been cancelled.

The local authorities said train services would be suspended or reduced by Friday noon.

In Zhejiang, the provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters said Friday that the 29,987 ocean-faring fishing ships and boats have taken shelter at harbors or on ground.