No tropical cyclones this month - Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said yesterday it did not expect any tropical cyclones to form and affect the country until the end of the month.

Pagasa experts said the absence of tropical cyclones this month is probably due to the delayed effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

“Although the El Niño phenomenon has already ended, the country still feels its effects,” Pagasa senior weather forecaster Robert Sawi told reporters yesterday.

“This is unusual because normally one or two cyclones visit the country in June,” he said.

So far, only one tropical cyclone has entered the country this year, he added.

Sawi, however, warned the public against stronger cyclones this year.

He said the La Niña phenomenon, which was predicted to develop during the third quarter of the year, would not only bring “above normal rainfall” but also more intense typhoons, particularly during the fourth quarter of the year.

In a related development, Congressman-elect Angelo Palmones of the Agham party-list said yesterday Pagasa has partnered with Smart Communications Inc. and Jollibee Food Corp. for the implementation of a project that seeks to strengthen disaster preparedness at the barangay level.

Smart Communications has also assisted Pagasa in its efforts to improve its flood forecasting system by providing additional rain gauges, which were installed in selected flood-prone areas nationwide.

Meanwhile, Pagasa officer-in-charge Nathaniel Servando announced that seven Doppler radars are likely to be installed in the country this year.

The Doppler radars are capable of generating short-term but highly accurate weather forecasts.

Pagasa has lined up several activities this week for the celebration of “Typhoon and Flood Awareness Week,” including a seminar workshop for the media which aims to give journalists a better understanding and appreciation of weather and flood forecasting in the country.

President Arroyo signed Proclamation 1535 on June 17, 2008, declaring the third week of June every year as “Typhoon and Flood Awareness Week.”