Science and Technology Undersecretary Dr. Graciano Yumul, also PAGASA’s officer-in-charge, said the effects of climate change have been evident in the country causing sea level rise and excessive moisture and rain.

“The normal event now is not anymore normal. Based on historical record, the eastern seaboard is usually hit hard by cyclones. But we see drastic change in storm tracks through time,” Yumul said.

“We only have northeast monsoon, which is normal at this time, but it had already caused landslides and flashfloods in the Bicol Region,” he added.

He further noted that, “if we look at this year’s number of cyclones, we only recorded 11, as against the usual 20 to 23 cyclones annually. Where are the remaining 12 storms? We expect that there’ll be a rebound next year.”

“In 2007, we have a dry spell, then in 2008 it was very wet. We can expect that this will happen again because it was relatively dry this year (despite a La Niña event). The year 2011 will be wetter than usual,” Yumul added.

The DoST official said the La Niña phenomenon started in July but the weather at that time was still dry.

“It was only in October when rains started to pour. There is a displacement period or delayed effect, that’s why we expect January 2011 to March 2011 to be extremely wet. We have to be prepared,” Yumul said.

He, however, assured the public that PAGASA is prepared for this weather event.

Ellalyn de Vera, Manila Bulletin