In the Philippines, the second half of the year not only signals the start of the long countdown to Christmas, but also monsoon season. Traditionally, typhoons sweep across the country during this time, often aggravating the south-western spell (Habagat) that trigger flooding and other concerns. At least 20 typhoons hit the Philippine area of responsibility every year, with the violent ones often posing the biggest threat to human lives and industry, that may result in