国内英语新闻:246 tourists still stranded in east China island due to tropical storms

WENZHOU, Zhejiang, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- At least 246 tourists remain stranded on an island in east China's Zhejiang Province Tuesday as tropical storms and a typhoon cut off ship ferrying services Monday, local authorities said.

The tourists, including six Russians and 26 students, have to stay in hotels in Nanji Island, a popular tourist destination in Wenzhou City of Zhejiang, after local transport authorities suspended ship services Monday due to strong gales triggered by two approaching tropical storms and typhoon Kompasu.

Officials have said that room charges have been cut by up to 86 percent, to 40 yuan (5.9 U.S. dollars) per day, for the tourists. Also, local government workers are trying to help the Russians solve visa problems and book new flight tickets.

Ship routes are expected to reopen after the wind weakens.