Super Typhoon Parma to Hit Philippines Saturday

Meteorologist upgraded the storm toa super typhoon Thursday as it moved towards the Philippines with winds of 150 mph. The Philippines already are trying to clean up from deadly the impact of Typhoon Ketsana this week. Ketsana killed at least 246, affected 2 million and forced evacuation of 567,000.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office (NOAA), a Super-typhoon is a term utilized by the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center for typhoons that reach maximum sustained 1-minute surface winds of at least 150 mph.. This is the equivalent of a category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic basin or a category 5 severe tropical cyclone in the Australian basin.

The clean-up operation continued Thursday despite Saturday's forecast for the super-typhoon. In the city of Pasig some residents were seen using inflatable mattresses as makeshift boats to ferry people through flooded streets. The government has opened up part of the presidential palace for aid distribution.

Assistance to the Philippines is being offered world-wide. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the organization was considering an emergency appeal for aid as several U.N. agencies also pledged support. The World Food Program said it will provide rations to 180,000 people.

Cheryl Phillips
Exclusive to HULIQ.com