8 typhoons seen until December

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said yesterday that seven to eight typhoons are expected to hit the country until December, but only four would make landfall.

Of the 20 cyclones predicted to hit the country this year, 13 had already passed by, the weather bureau reported.

“Usually during the last quarter of the year, from October to December, the country is visited by strong cyclones. Based on our record, the wind strength could reach 150 kilometers per hour (kph), compared to other weather disturbances that only reach 120 kph,” Pagasa director Prisco Nilo said.

The Pagasa chief said with 150 kph winds and heavy rains, the cyclones could trigger landslides and uproot trees.

Normally during September, cyclones pass by central and northern Luzon; in October, central Luzon, Metro Manila and southern Tagalog; and in November and December, the Visayas and Bicol.

“This is the normal path of the storm, but there is the possibility that the direction of the tropical cyclone could deviate,” Nilo said.

He advised the public to be alert and monitor weather bulletins issued by Pagasa.