AT LEAST eight more tropical cyclones are likely to hit the country before the end of the year, a state weather official said.
“We expect about eight to 11 more typhoons to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this year,” Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) deputy administrator Dr. Nathaniel Servando said.
Servando stressed that the strongest typhoons are expected to hit the country by September and October this year.
Despite the expected weather disturbances, Servando said it can provide a positive effect to the country as it will bring more rains, therefore, help ensure sufficient water supply amid the looming El Niño phenomenon. He said at least two storms may bring rains over Bulacan’s Angat Dam, which is the main source of Metro Manila’s potable water.
Meanwhile, the National Food Authority (NFA) said it is now working closely with its regional field offices as part of the response of the Department of Agriculture (DA) against the looming effects of the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to persist until the first quarter of next year.
DA Assistant Secretary for Operations Arnel de Mesa highlighted the importance of a whole-of-government approach against the El Niño phenomenon.
“Ang paghahanda ng Department of Agriculture when it comes to El Niño and, all the necessary interventions ay, again, na-coordinate natin with our regional field offices so as to ensure na responsive tayo dito sa magiging epekto ng El Niño,” he said.“We need to coordinate very closely with the National Irrigation Administration para doon sa timing ng planting of rice.
De Mesa said the whole-of-government approach is the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is also the concurrent DA Secretary, on El Niño preparations. He noted that the PAGASA has already declared that the drought season will last until the early part of 2024. (Mindanao Examiner)
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