Pagasa delists 5 tropical cyclones

MANILA, Philippines - The names of five destructive tropical cyclones last year have been removed from the roster of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Glenda, Jose, Mario, Ruby and Seniang have been replaced with Gardo, Josie, Maymay, Rosita and Samuel.

The names are removed from the list if at least 300 lives were lost, the cyclone cost over P1 billion worth of damage to property and infrastructure or both.

“Decommissioning the names of destructive typhoons from the operational list is a systemized practice of the agency,” PAGASA said. “Replaced names are still recorded for historical data or for future references.”

Typhoon Glenda (international name Rammasun) hit the country from July 13 to 17 and killed 106 people and damaged properties amounting to P38.61 billion.

It first made landfall in Albay and moved across Southern Luzon, including Metro Manila, toppling trees as well as power and communication lines. 

Typhoon Jose (Halong) dumped heavy rains over parts of Northern and Central Luzon last year, leaving two people dead and damage to properties worth P1.62 billion.

Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-wong), unleashed torrential rain in many parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, in September, killing 18 persons and injuring 16 others. Mario’s damage to infrastructure and agriculture was estimated at P3.39 billion.

Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit) lashed the country with strong winds and heavy rains in December, leaving 18 people dead and damage to properties amounting to P3.34 billion.

Tropical Storm Seniang (Jangmi) also battered Eastern Visayas and Southern Luzon in December, killing 66 persons and damaging properties worth P1.27 billion.