MANILA – At least eight more tropical cyclones are likely to hit the country this year, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Saturday.
“We expect about eight to 11 more typhoons to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this year,” PAGASA deputy administrator for Administration and Engineering Services, Dr. Nathaniel Servando, said during a weekly media forum in Quezon City.
The strongest typhoons are expected in September and October, Servando said.
On the positive side, he said, the country could have sufficient supply of water “as we are expecting more rain.”
He said at least two storms may bring rains over Bulacan’s Angat Dam, the main source of Metro Manila’s potable water.
Meanwhile, Servando said Typhoon Falcon, which is already inside PAR, is unlikely to make landfall.
“It is expected to leave PAR in two to three days,” he said.
The direction of Falcon, last tracked 1,315 km cast of Central Luzon as of 11 a.m., would be far from the areas that were affected by Egay.
“There will be rains but it is not caused by Falcon but habagat (southwest monsoon),” he added.
Edgar Posadas, spokesperson of the Office of the Civil Defense, also reported that the initial estimated damage of Egay has exceeded PHP1 billion.
“As of today, the damage to agricultural products is at PHP832 million and PHP1.1 billion damage to infrastructure,” he said. “We expect the figures to increase in the next few days.” (PNA)
