PAGASA: 3-4 'fierce' cyclones expected in September

While the Philippines is still reeling from the effects of tropical cyclone "Mina" (international name: Nanmadol), state weather forecasters said the country must be ready for the three to four fierce and destructive cyclones expected next month. On its Twitter account, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said "We expect three to four tropical cyclones this September." Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Technology said eight more cyclones are expected for the rest of 2011, all of them "fierce" or having a great chance of making landfall. In an interview over radio dzRH, DOST Undersecretary Graciano Yumul Jr. noted that only 11 cyclones passed through the country last year but this year, 13 cyclones are expected. In a separate interview on dzBB radio, Yumul said the cyclones that hit the country during the so-called “ber" months — September to December — will most likely make landfall. “Ang ‘ber’ months, ito ang may kalakasan na bagyo na nagla-landfall, ito ang tumatama," he said. The eight cyclones will be locally codenamed Nonoy, Onyok, Pedring, Quiel, Ramon, Sendong, Tisoy, and Ursula. If more cyclones will hit the country this year, they will be named Viring, Weng, Yoyoy, and Zigzag. - VVP, GMA News