Expect to see more drizzles and, possibly, more storms to hit the country this year.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) here has warned of the possibility that the number of tropical cyclones to cross the country’s path will double this year compared to that of 2010 due to the onset of the La Nina Phenomenon.
PAGASA’s records show some 11 tropical cyclones swept through the country in 2010, which is below the average number of 19 tropical cyclones expected to hit the country each year. “For this reason and also because of La Nina, there is a possibility that the country will experience twice more storms this year,” said Edsin Culi, provincial meteorological chief of PAGASA here.
Culi explained that if the number of storms that occur in a year is lesser than the yearly average, it is likely that more weather disturbances will develop in the following year, based on the behaviour of weather patterns that PAGASA has monitored over the years.
For this reason, Culi said it’s possible that there will be drizzles during the summer period this year.
Philippines experiences a three-months-dry and nine-months-wet cycle each year. Summer period usually starts from March and lasts until April, while typhoon season begins June until December.
The cold weather caused by La Nina has brought more rains than usual in the country as of last quarter of 2010. Records show that the Philippines experienced more rainfall than usual from October to December last year.
Culi warned residents, especially those living along riverbanks and sloped areas, to be alert whenever rains occur. “Once it starts to rain, they should observe and take notice if it gets continuous or develops into a heavy downpour and if it does, they should be ready to take the necessary precautions like moving to higher and safer ground,” he said.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) here in a report identified the following areas as landslide-prone: Canlaon City, Manjuyod to Himamampangon, Bais City to Mabinay, Dauis to Mabinay, and Mabinay to Bayawan City.
On the other hand, the identified typhoon-prone areas are Vallehermoso, Guihulngan, La Libertad, Jimalalud, Tayasan, Ayungon and Bindoy while the flood-prone areas are Vallehermoso, Guihulngan, La Libertad, Tayasan, Bindoy, Manjuyod, Bais City, Tanjay City, Zambonguita, Siaton, Sta. Catalina, Bayawan City and Basay. (RMN/PIA-7 Negros Oriental)