FUZHOU, July 31 (Xinhua) -- As Typhoon Saola, the ninth typhoon of the year, strengthens and approaches coastal regions in southeast China, Fujian province has started to prepare for 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, according to the Fujian Provincial Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters.

Saola is expected to hit Fujian and east China's Zhejiang province on Thursday evening or during the day on Friday.

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

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

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

Local governments had relocated 8,094 people in response to the typhoon's approach as of 1 p.m. Tuesday, according to the provincial fishery department.

Local government authorities and telecommunications companies have worked together to send out millions of text messages warning local residents of the typhoon.

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