8 new names for storms released

MANILA, Philippines - The weather bureau has released eight new local names for tropical storms, which replace the delisted names of weather disturbances that caused massive devastation in the past three years.

Nathaniel Servando, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) administrator, said the names Odette, Paolo, Jose, Betty, Jenny, Marilyn, Pablo and Sarah have replaced Ondoy, Pepeng, Juan, Bebeng, Juaning, Mina, Pedring and Sendong.

The last eight names were deleted due to the large number of deaths and huge damage these storms caused.

Nineteen storms hit the Philippines in 2011, 10 of which were destructive, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.

Tropical storms entering the country this year would be given the local names Ambo, Butchoy, Cosme, Dindo, Enteng, Frank, Gener, Helen, Igme, Julian, Karen, Lawin, Marce, Nina, Ofel, Pablo, Quinta, Rolly, Siony, Tonyo, Unding, Violeta, Winnie, Yoyong and Zosimo.