2024 typhoons named

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services on Tuesday released the set of names for tropical cyclones that will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility in 2024.

PAGASA said that it has four sets of typhoon names which are used in rotation and will be used again for 2028, 2032 and 2036.

This year, the first Philippine typhoon name will be "Aghon," followed by "Butchoy," "Carina," "Dindo," "Enteng," "Ferdie," "Gener," "Helen," "Igme," "Julian," "Kristine," "Leon," "Marce," "Nika," "Ofel," "Pepito," "Querubin," "Romina," "Siony," "Tonyo," "Upang," "Vicky," "Warren," "Yoyong" and "Zosimo."

The state weather bureau also released 10 auxiliary sets of typhoon names for the said years — Alakdan, Baldo, Clara, Dencio, Estong, Felipe, Gomer, Heling, Ismael and Julio.

Based on the agency's note on its website, the additional names shall only be used in cases where the number of typhoons exceeds 25 during a particular year.

Meanwhile, PAGASA decommissions typhoon names for two criteria: it causes 300 or more deaths, OR, causes P1 billion or more worth of damage.

The retired names from 2020 were Ambo (P1.574 billion damage), Quinta (27 deaths, P4.223 billion damage), Rolly (25 deaths, P17.875 billion damage), and Ulysses (101 deaths, P20.261 billion damage).

It was replaced this year by the names "Aghon," "Querubin," "Romina," and "Upang."

According to PAGASA, not one or only one typical cyclone may be formed within or enter the PAR this month, adding that if the country experiences a tropical cyclone this January, it will make landfall in Eastern Visayas or Caraga region.