Pagasa: 3 storms in August (7:21 p.m.)

MANILA – The Philippines will have to brace at least three storms in August as the La Niña phenomenon expected to bring above normal rainfall, the state weather bureau said.

Prisco Nilo, director of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said three moderate to strong storms will visit the country next month.

“These storms will also bring moderate to strong winds and these are expected to bring much rainfall because of the possible onset of the La Niña, which is marked by above normal monsoon rains,” he told Sun.Star.

Susan Espinueva, chief of Pagasa’s hydrometeorology division, said in a separate interview that the rains will be a welcome development especially in Angat Dam, with its receding waters in the past weeks triggered a water shortage.

Pagasa earlier said 13 to 15 storms are expected from the usual 19 storms per year. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)