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Enhancing preparedness and response in the Philippines

Countries
Philippines
Sources
Govt. UK
Publication date
Origin
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Support for the Philippines Department of Science and Technology, and its National Meteorological Service; the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration

Challenge

The location of the Philippines means that it is subject to a range of natural hazards, including earthquakes and volcanoes. It is also situated on the typhoon belt in the north-west Pacific. This results in most of its islands experiencing periods of torrential rain, flooding, landslides, high winds, thunderstorms and related storm surges, between June and November.

Typhoons are one of the most dangerous natural hazards. They cause considerable loss of life and immense damage to property. They are also notoriously difficult to predict. The effect of these hazards was witnessed in 2011’s Typhoon Pedring (internationally known as Nesat), 2012’s Typhoon Pablo (Bopha), and the most disastrous storm of the century, Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013.
The country is usually affected by around 21 cyclonic storms each year and directly struck by five to six. To make sure society is sufficiently resilient and prepared requires the development and delivery of effective weather and climate services.