Tropical cyclone "Quiel" (international name: Nalgae) has just moved out of Philippine territory and state weather forecasters are already busy tracking a new potential cyclone, which is predicted to be a lesser threat than last week's two deadly typhoons. Although it is only October, the Philippines has already had 17 typhoons, six more typhoons than the 11 typhoons the country had in 2010. In 2010, the country weathered "Agaton," "Basyang," "Caloy," "Domeng," "Ester," "Florita," "Glenda," "Ester," "Florita," "Glenda," "Henry," "Inday," "Juan" and "Katring." This year, the country already experienced the wrath of typhoons "Amang," "Bebeng," "Chedeng," "Dodong," "Egay," "Falcon," "Goring," "Hanna," Ineng," "Juaning," "Kabayan," "Lando," "Mina," Nonoy," "Onyok," "Pedring," and "Quiel." "Quiel" came just after "Pedring" (international name: Nesat) left the country. Already, Philippine officials are saying that a low-pressure area (LPA) might turn into a cyclone. If it does, it will be named "Ramon" and will be the country's 18th typhoon of the year. However, PAGASA said there's also a chance that the LPA could dissolve in the next few days. Destructive typhoons Every time a new typhoon enters Philippine territory, it causes millions, if not billions worth of damage to agriculture and property. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Monday pegged the damage the damage to property caused by "Pedring" at P8,803,560,093.43, including:
P1,249,264,897.81 in infrastructure, and P7,554,295,195.62 in agriculture. "Pedring" completely destroyed 6,125 houses and partially-damaged 36,907 others. The typhoon also killed 55 people and injured 65 others. At least 28 persons are also still missing as of Monday. 2009 worst year for typhoons So far, 2009 is still considered as the worst year for typhoons, with 22 weather disturbances, including the deadly and devastating Ondoy. The 15th tropical cyclone to enter the country last year, Ondoy left 464 people dead, 529 people injured, and 11 missing according to GMA News Research. About 986,825 families were affected, and the NDRRMC report pegged the total cost of damage nationwide at P11.06 billion. The NDRRMC assured the public that typhoon "Pedring" would not be another Ondoy, with disaster response units in place as well as line government agencies. However, at least 62 bridge and road sections remained impassable nearly a week after Pedring, with 582,626 families affected. Early this year, PAGASA predicted that the La Niña weather phenomenon would bring Filipinos a short and wet summer, after which the public can expect intense cyclones. "Inaasahan natin [na] maikli ang summer natin at in general ay basa at ang susunod ay mga bagyo na inaasahan natin mas marami sa last year at medyo mas malakas," PAGASA officer-in-charge Graciano Yumul Jr. was quoted in an earlier report. In the report, PAGASA said it expects 20 to 22 cyclones to hit the country this year. PAGASA reaffirmed their prediction in June after tropical storm "Falcon" left the Philippine territory, with at least three dead and P152,711 million in damages. "Naka-anim na tayo, mga 15 to 16 pang bagyo," PAGASA forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said in an earlier report. Aside from "Ramon," the names lined up for the coming typhoons this year include: "Sendong," "Tisoy," "Ursula" and "Viring." If there will be more than 22 cyclones this year, PAGASA has reserved three more names - "Weng," "Yoyoy," and "Zigzag." - VVP, GMA News 
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