BEIJING, Oct. 5 -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Thursday activated a level-IV emergency response to major natural disasters with agricultural impacts as Typhoon Koinu and cold fronts will bring heavy downpours to two southern provinces.

From Friday to Sunday, gales will sweep the coastal regions of Fujian and Guangdong, while precipitation in some parts of the two provinces may exceed 300 mm, according to the ministry.

Strong winds and rainstorms could flood farmland, damage crops, and disrupt production of the fishery industry and other agricultural sectors, said the ministry.

The ministry urges the provinces to call fishing vessels to port and help harvest mature crops as soon as possible to protect the lives and property of farmers and fishermen.