East China braces for approaching tropical storm Fung-Wong

Heavy rain lashed the coastal areas of east China's Zhejiang Province on Sunday as tropical storm Fung-Wong is approaching.

As of 4 p.m., a total of 157,553 people in coastal cities including Ningbo, Wenzhou and Taizhou had been evacuated, and 30,079 fish boats had returned to ports, said the provincial flood and drought relief headquarters.

According to the local meteorological authorities, the typhoon is expected to pound the province with torrential downpours and powerful winds on Monday noon or afternoon.

The government of Wenzhou City has demanded kindergartens, primary and middle schools to suspend classes on Monday.

Fung-Wong made a landfall in Taiwan at around 10 a.m. Sunday, forcing the cancellation of dozens of flights and ferry services.

The 16th typhoon (tropical storm level) this year continues to move north to the coastal areas in the provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang with a wind speed of about 20 kilometers per hour, bringing rainstorms and strong gales of up to level 13 along the way.

More rain is expected in the eastern areas of Zhejiang through Monday.

Fung-Wong has killed at least ten people in the northern parts of the Philippines, including Metro Manila, the Philippines' state disaster management agency has said.