Authorities in the Philippines have put the nation under a "state of calamity" as millions of people prepare for the arrival of a super typhoon.

With gusts of 230 kilometres an hour, Typhoon Parma is steadily approaching the main Philippines island of Luzon and is expected to make landfall some time this morning.

Philippines President Gloria Arroyo made the declaration as she ordered tens of thousands of people to be evacuated from areas in the storm's predicted path.

The Philippines was already in mourning after 300 people were killed in a typhoon last week.

In the Manila suburb of Quezon City, streets are still flooded from from the earlier storm, and local residents are trying to reinforce their homes.

Residents are stocking up on essentials, buying candles and batteries, canned food and water.

At least 70,000 people have fled their homes, but some are saying they will not leave.

Millions of people are still sheltering in makeshift evacuation centres after Typhoon Ketsana killed about 300 people last weekend.

The government in Manila warns that Super Typhoon Parma is certain to tear down houses which lie in its path.

It is likely there will be significant damage to farming land and dwellings in the slums.