Be Ready for Another Super Typhoon – PAGASA

(PNA) — Be prepared for another Yolanda-like typhoon to hit the country this year.

This was the warning aired by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA), as the Cordillera region marks Disaster Preparedness Month with an opening press conference here, July 1.

According to Engr. Hilario Esparanza, head of PAGASA-CAR, it was safe to assume that another super typhoon would hit the country this year because of the unpredictability of the weather due to climate change and global warming.

“We can expect 19 to 21 weather disturbances this year and because of climate change, there could be at least one extreme storm,” Esperanza said.

Because of the increasing number of extreme storms entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), PAGASA has included a new storm signal number to inform residents of the severity of the coming storm.

Typhoon signal number 5 was instituted May this year to better warn people that they are in the path of a super typhoon with winds reaching in excess of 220 kilometers per hour near the center, and for them to take extra precautionary measures to minimize casualties and property damage.

“This month of July, we are expecting two to three tropical cyclones to enter PAR,” Esperanza added.

Typhoon signal number 5 did not make the previous four signals any less serious, he said, adding typhoon signal 4 was still cause to prepare for any eventuality.

Office of Civil Defense-Cordillera Director Alex Uy added that people should always have emergency numbers at hand in case there is need to call for assistance during human induced or natural calamities and crises. (PNA) RMA/JBL/SAMDBAUTISTA/EDS