15 more tropical cyclones expected

The local weather bureau is expecting around 15 more tropical cyclones to hit the country this year, to add up the four tropical cyclones that hit the country recently. Chief Meteorological officer Oscar Tabada of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration said that an average of 19 tropical cyclones go through the Philippine area of responsibility each year.

Early this year, four tropical cyclones have already passed through the country namely: tropical storm Auring, typhoon Bising and tropical depressions Crising and Dante, Tabada said. The recent of which that is hitting the country today is Tropical Depression "Emong" which is estimated at 50 kms north northwest of Virac, Catanduanes (14.4°N 124.1°E) with strongest sustained winds of 55 kph near the center. It is forecast to move west northwest at 19 kph. Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

PAGASA's latest seasonal climate outlook shows that eight to nine tropical cyclones are likely to occur from July to September while four to 5 are expected to occur from October to December. Following the order of the alphabet, Tabada said the tropical cyclones that will cross the country's path in the following months would be christened as Feria, Gorio, Huaning, Isang, Jolina, Kiko, Labuyo, Maring, Nando, Ondoy, Pepeng, Quedan, Ramil, Santi, Tino, Ursula, Vinta, Wilma, Yolanda, and Zoraida.

Malacañang had issued Proclamation 823 declaring the third week of June as typhoon and flood awareness week to promote the conduct of awareness campaigns on typhoon and flood preparedness.