Tropical Storm Bualoi, known locally as Opong, made landfall in the Philippines on September 25, 2025, with sustained winds of 110 km/h impacting San Policarpo, Eastern Samar. The storm brought significant power disruptions to several central-eastern provinces, accompanied by minor flooding and landslides.
In response to the immediate threats posed by the storm, authorities initiated the evacuation of over 433,000 individuals, with a particular focus on Albay province due to concerns about potential mudflows on the slopes of Mayon Volcano. The storm's passage resulted in a tragic loss of life, with four fatalities reported in Masbate province attributed to falling debris, collapsing structures, and a lightning strike. The governor of Masbate highlighted the severe impact on infrastructure, noting that much of the road network had become impassable, hindering humanitarian aid and necessitating urgent requests for support to reopen regional ports.
Bualoi was the 15th tropical cyclone to affect the Philippines in 2025. The storm's extensive reach, with a 450 km diameter of rain and wind, moved rapidly northwest. Its path traversed near densely populated provinces south of Manila before entering the South China Sea, with potential for re-intensification. The storm's impact was widespread, affecting over 1.2 million people across the country. Reports indicate that 708 homes were destroyed and an additional 4,494 were damaged, alongside significant damage to 243 road sections and 46 bridges. The island of Biliran was particularly hard-hit, with eight deaths and two missing persons reported.
Despite the devastation, the resilience of communities was evident as residents began returning to their homes as the weather improved. Scientists note that the Philippines, which typically experiences an average of 20 storms annually, faces increasing storm intensity due to climate change, underscoring the ongoing need for adaptive strategies and sustained efforts towards building more resilient communities.