Philippines Braces for Typhoon

MIltag may become "super typhoon" before hitting shore Saturday

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 23, 2007 1:22 AM CST

(Newser) – Typhoon Mitag is racing for the eastern Philippines as officials continue to evacuate almost 200,000 people, the AP reports. Blowing at more than 100 miles per hour, Miltag may become a "super typhoon" with 138mph winds before making landfall Saturday, one expert said. The Philippine region bracing for Miltag is still on the mend after fatal mudslides and floods in 2006.

In the South China Sea, 25 Filipinos have already gone missing after a fishing boat turned over; on land, rains have sparked landslides that are blocking off six towns in Catanduanes province. Vietnamese are also evacuating, as Typhoon Hagibish—which hammered the Philippines earlier this week—approaches with 83 mph winds. Officials say they may evacuate a half million people before Hagibish lands this weekend.

The Philippines authorities hope to avoid heavy loss of life with preemptive evacuations. (Getty Images)

Two men reinforce the roof of their shanty as they prepare for the approaching Typhoon Mitag Thursday, Nov. 22, 2007 in Manila. A tropical storm gained strength and developed into a typhoon as it headed... (Associated Press)

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has cut short a trip to Singapore and returned to the Philippines. r (AP Photo/Reny Pampolina, POCPO, HO) (Associated Press)

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Philippines Braces for Typhoon

MIltag may become "super typhoon" before hitting shore Saturday

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MIltag may become "super typhoon" before hitting shore Saturday

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Philippines Girds for 'Calamity' Ahead of Super-Typhoon

Areas still stricken by last storm evacuate; Parma expected to hit within hours

652 Now Dead in Philippines Storm

Women, children make up majority of the dead

Former Philippine President Arrested in Hospital Room

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo accused of corruption

Deadly Typhoon Slams Philippines

12 dead, 100K flee, Manila at standstill

Typhoon Kills 10 in Philippines

Expected to hit Taiwan tomorrow

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