Prepare for more typhoons, possible El Niňo, agencies told

Malacaňang has ordered preparations for at least five to six more cyclones that the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said are expected to pass through the country before yearend. Pagasa weather services head Nathaniel Cruz said in a radio interview they are also looking out for a possible dry spell with a potential El Niño occurrence. “Tayo lang ang bansang may ganyang bagyo, pwedeng makaka-anim pa o lima pa (sa) huling bahagi ng taon (We’re the only country with this many cyclones. We may have five to six more cyclones for the last part of this year)," Cruz said on government-run dzRB radio. Cruz’s pronouncements prompted Malacañang to order concerned agencies at the national and local government levels to make preparations for possible emergencies. Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez Jr. also said the government is ready to draw from a “best practices" list on dealing with a possible El Niño event. Golez said local governments in particular must beef up rescue groups and relief supplies. “Ang LGU naman kinakailangan mag-beef up ng rescue groups at mag-beef up ng relief supplies, mag-stockpile sila nang sa ganoon dumating ang inaasahang bagyo o sakuna handa ang LGU (LGUs must beef up on rescue groups and relief supplies, and stockpile to prepare for cyclones)," Golez said. He said the National Disaster Coordinating Council, where he is a spokesman, continues to coordinate with national government agencies to prepare for emergencies. These include ensuring enough medicines with the Department of Health; relief goods with the Department of Social Welfare and Development; and heavy equipment with the Department of Public Works and Highways. The last tropical cyclone to pass through the country, “Maring" (Mujigae), left at least 11 people dead after lashing parts of Luzon. On the other hand, Pagasa said an active low-pressure area (ALPA) spotted Saturday threatens to trigger flash floods and landslides in parts of Eastern Luzon. But Cruz said that if the ALPA does not intensify into a cyclone, the country can expect improved weather by Monday or Tuesday. Cruz said they are also now looking at some areas for possible signs of El Niño, a weather phenomenon marked by dry spells. “We are monitoring some areas for possible effects of El Niño, that may see less rain. We have to check this along with our decision-makers," he said. But Golez said the country has learned much from its last brush with El Niño some four years ago, and is ready to implement these measures if needed. “All measures specifically for agriculture have been put in place. Once El Niño hits again, we will draw from our experience to help farmers and people," he said in Filipino. - GMANews.TV