Philippines Typhoon Parma: Pepeng Ketsana Parma Make Climate Change Imperative

The Philippines are preparing for Typhoon Parma (known as Typhoon Pepeng) and have already declared a "state of calamity." Updates below 10-3-09 6:30 a.m. CDT 10-4-09 10:55 a.m. CDT.

 

Typhoon Parma

Click here to see a better satellite pic and Luzon in the eye of the storm, which is moving westward (taken on October 1st).

According to NASA's Earth Observatory (linked above), the storm had the ability to become a Category 5 by tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 3) - however, note that this report also quoted Reuters' quote from the Philippines' chief weather forcaster's characterization of the storm as a Category 4 at the time of NASA's report. I'm not sure why NASA would need a Reuters report!!! Manila still has rescue efforts underway from Tropical Storm Ketsana, which left 293 people dead on Saturday September 26th (just six days ago), and at least 42 still missing. The storm reportedly "swallowed whole houses and buses...."

Parma’s eye was 254 kilometers (158 miles) northeast of the city of Daet on Luzon at 2 p.m. Manila time today, the U.S. Navy Joint Typhoon Warning Center said. The typhoon is forecast to make landfall after 8 a.m. tomorrow [Saturday].

Tropical Storm Ketsana, which later reached typhoon strength, put 80 percent of Manila under water and considered to be the "heaviest rainfall in 40 years." Ketsana, is reported to have killed more than 100 in Cambodia and Vietnam, where more than 3000 are affected, including areas around Manila, including Rizal, Laguna and Bulacan. Refugees wanting to return home after Ketsana have been asked to wait until after Typhoon Parma exits the area.

Areas already evacuated ahead of Parma are the eastern provinces of Albay and Camarines Norte which are thought to be directly in Parma's path. 2000 residents have left the area. Those not evacuating were told that timely rescue efforts would probably be impossible after the storm hits. The northern provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga were also evacuated with the expectation of severe flooding. Domestic air flights have cancelled flights in and out of the Philippines. Coast Guard in port cities have prevented ships from leaving and this report says that thousands of passengers and crew are stranded in the Eastern Philippines. Manila still has rescue efforts underway from Tropical Storm Ketsana, which left 293 people dead on Saturday September 26th (just six days ago), and at least 42 still missing.

Parma’s eye was 254 kilometers (158 miles) northeast of the city of Daet on Luzon at 2 p.m. Manila time today, the U.S. Navy Joint Typhoon Warning Center said. The typhoon is forecast to make landfall after 8 a.m. tomorrow [Saturday].

Now, listen in the video below as the attempt is made to blame the storms on

global warming, sorry - climate change. Nevermind that millions of people around the world live at sea-level, below sea level and slightly above sea-level, especially in areas where storms are known as "typhoons," rather than "hurricanes." The simple truth is, if people were not living in these low-lying areas, they would not be riding down rivers of water and debris. I'm not disrespecting the cities and villages in such perilous situations, but I am stating a truth.

 Parma - Ketsana (video)

Update 10-3-09 6:40 a.m.:
Typhoon Parma (Pepeng) is now moving toward Taiwan. This report says "at least two people" are reported to have died in Parma, both in Isabela Province, but it is early and storm assessments are still underway. Parma made landfall along the Philippines northern coastline in the Cagayan and Isabela provinces mid-afternoon October 3rd Philippines time. In the capital city of Cagayan's Tuguegarao, rooftops are missing and trees are down throughout the city of 130,000. The storm tracked farther north than expected, with the girth of the storm missing some of the more heavily populated areas. With Parma's change in course, Manila is believed to have escaped the full intensity of the storm, however, another 8-20 inches of water are expected in the city where many resident's properties are still under water from Ketsana. In Luzon, the storm made landfall at 92 mph with gust of up to 115 mph. Other reports estimate landfall at 108 mph. Power lines and trees are down. Heavy rain and wind hit Luzon. Residents have been warned of landslides and floodings. High waves are expected on the eastern coastline.  

Update 10-4-09 10:55 a.m. CDT:
I've read several reports this morning that cited three died, and this one saying 4 are dead. In the province of Isabela, one man drowned, another died of weather exposure. In the province of Camarines Sur, a two-year old boy died, as well as a man who fell from a roof. The Cagayan River rose and swallowed two bridges Luzon was spared the devastating hit expected when Parma slowed before pummeling the northern edge of the Philippines. Winds were clocked at 108 mph in two provinces. Flooding, power outages and downed timber were left behind as Parma now sits in the Bashi Channel.

Related: Taiwan Typhoon Parma: Typhoon Parma at Taiwan

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