PAGASA spots another active low-pressure area

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration sighted another active low-pressure area approaching the country.

PAGASA-Mactan weather observer Armando Danag said the low-pressure area has been sighted 1,090 kilometers west and is expected to hit northeast of Basco, Batanes anytime next week.

He added that if the active low-pressure area develops into a storm, it would be named "Ompong."

At least nine of the 14 typhoons that hit the country as of October 1 were registered from July to September based on the PAGASA records.

The month of July has the most number of typhoons, which includes "Esther", "Florita", "Glenda" and "Henry." Other tropical storms listed in the registry of PAGASA for the quarter period are "Inday", "Juan", "Katring", "Luis", and "Milenyo".

Completing the 14 typhoons in the record are "Neneng", "Agaton", "Basyang", "Caloy", and "Doming."

Danag said that 11 more typhoons expected to enter the country are "Ompong", "Paeng", "Queenie", "Reming", "Seniang", "Tomas", "Usman", "Venus", "Waldo", "Yayang", and "Zeny."

"A list of auxiliary names is already in place if more than 25 typhoons will cross the country for 2006," he added.

The Philippines is prone to natural calamities and the government is institutionalizing a nationwide disaster preparedness network.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo directed the National Disaster Coordinating Council to work closely with local government units in expanding disaster response drills and creating rescue teams in all landslide and flashflood-prone areas in the country.

The President is encouraged by the success of the national earthquake drills and wants the same level of community readiness in case of landslides and flashfloods. - Jasmin R. Uy/LPM