The weather bureau is expecting at least 18 more tropical storms to hit the country this year.
According to weather specialist Al Quiblat of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration-Mactan, an average of 18 to 20 typhoons sweep through the Philippine’s area of responsibility each year.
Recently, PAGASA has embarked on a “text-a-typhoon” program as it expects more tropical storms to occur this year.
The weather bureau is also seeking more talks with airline companies on its plan to charge fees for specialized weather information.
In May, tropical storm “Amang” is the first to hit the country this year.
PAGASA’s latest seasonal climate outlook shows that eight to nine tropical storms are likely to occur from July to September, while four to five are expected from October to December.
Quiblat said as of the moment, a tropical storm has been cited 2,000 kilometers from the Philippines area of responsibility. He explained that if the storm will reach to at least 1,200 kilometers, it has already entered the country.
Following the order of the English alphabet, PAGASA said storms that will cross the country’s path in the following months would be named Bebing, Cheding, Dodong, Egay, Falcon, Goring, Hannah, Ining, Juaning, Kabayan, Lando, Mina, Nonoy, Onyok, Pedring, Queil, Ramon, Sendong, Tisoy, Ursula, Viring, Weng, Yoyoy and Zigzag.
Malacañang has earlier issued Proclamation No. 823 declaring the third week of June as typhoon and flood awareness week. — Jasmin R. Uy/LPM