Typhoon Aghon kills seven, brings heavy rain to drought areas
Typhoon Aghon entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility last week, bringing heavy rain to drought-stricken communities but also causing fatalities and prompting a state of calamity in parts of Luzon.
At least seven people were killed, including an infant in Quezon after their house was swept away by floods triggered by Aghon's heavy rains.
PAGASA reported that the typhoon made nine landfalls since May 24, with some areas experiencing rainfall volumes up to 150% above normal levels for the month of May.
Meanwhile, the heat index reached a record high of 55°C in Guiuan, Eastern Samar on May 26 while Aghon was present.
On Wednesday, PAGASA officially declared the onset of the rainy season, which typically brings an increase in tropical cyclone activity in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
According to Dr. John Manalo, a PAGASA weather specialist, El Niño may have delayed the formation of Typhoon Aghon and influenced its intensity.
Manalo suggested that while fewer tropical cyclones are expected this year due to historical data, climate change could lead to an increase in powerful storms as we approach August and September.
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