FUZHOU, July 31 (Xinhua) -- As Typhoon Saola, the ninth typhoon of the year, strengthens and approaches coastal regions of southeast China, Fujian province has started to prepare to respond to possible disasters brought about by the typhoon, local authorities said Tuesday.

Typhoon Saola is moving at a slow speed and gaining strength. It is expected to reach seas off the northeast coast of Taiwan on Thursday and approach Fujian province and east China's Zhejiang province on Friday, according to the Fujian Provincial Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters.

The coastal areas of Fujian will see gales and rainstorms brought about by Typhoon Saola from August 1 to 5, said Chen Rongkai, vice governor and general director of the headquarters.

The headquarters launched a level-III emergency response at 6 p.m. on Monday to cope with the typhoon.

Though Fujian's summer fishing moratorium ended at the end of July, the headquarters decided to extend the fishing ban in order to protect local fishermen.

Neighboring Zhejiang province issued a level-IV emergency response to tackle Typhoon Saola Tuesday morning, as it is expected to affect the province from Thursday to Friday, according to the provincial meteorological station. Enditem