At least 10 dead as Tropical Storm Bualoi (Opong) sweeps through Philippines
At least 10 people have been confirmed dead in Philippines as of September 26 due to Tropical Storm Bualoi (locally named Opong), which made landfall Eastern Samar on September 25 before crossing into Masbate and sweeping through the Bicol region. The storm left behind a trail of destruction, displacing thousands who were already reeling from the destruction left by former Super Typhoon Ragasa.
Rescue operatives saving dogs amid flooding triggered by Tropical Storm Bualoi (Opong). Credit: NDRRMC
Tropical Storm Bualoi (known in the Phillipines as Opong) made its first landfall in San Policarpo, Eastern Samar at 23:30 local time (LT) on September 25, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
It then crossed into Masbate and swept through the Bicol region in the southern part of the country’s biggest island, Luzon on September 26.
PAGASA classified the system as a Severe Tropical Storm at landfall, with 10-minute sustained winds of 65–90 km/h (40–55 mph) and gusts exceeding 130 km/h (81 mph) in exposed areas.
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), estimated Bualoi’s peak intensity at 111 km/h (69 mph) with a minimum central pressure of around 993 hPa near the time of landfall. The system was moving west to west-northwest at 37–46 km/h, with rainbands extending 400–450 km (250–280 miles).
A total of 10 fatalities have been confirmed as of September 26, but local reports suggest more fatalities are likely to have occurred.
Two villagers were killed after being pinned by a fallen tree and a concrete wall that collapsed, and a third drowned in the hard-hit central province of Masbate. Seven villagers reportedly died in central Biliran province due to flash floods. Widespread power outages, flooding, and two minor landslides were also reported.
At least 13 others were reported missing, mostly fishermen from three central provinces, who have not been accounted for after venturing into the sea before the storm hit.
Bualoi is the 15th tropical cyclone to affect the Philippines in 2025. It follows Typhoon Ragasa, which earlier this month caused over 25 deaths in the Philippines and Taiwan before striking China and Vietnam.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), nearly 433 000 people (about 120 888 families) were evacuated nationwide as of September 26. PAGASA also warned of storm surges up to 3 m (10 feet) in coastal areas.
Bualoi is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on September 27. Both PAGASA and JTWC expect the storm to regain strength over the West Philippine Sea, with a likelihood of reaching typhoon intensity while tracking west-northwest toward northern Vietnam.
PAGASA maintains warnings across affected provinces, urging vigilance against flooding, landslides, and coastal hazards. JTWC also forecasts Bualoi’s weakening from land interaction was temporary and that re-intensification is likely once the storm re-emerges over open waters.
1 Tropical Storm 26 w(Bualoi) Warning Nr 13 – JTWC – September 26, 2025
2 Tropical cyclone Bulletin NR. 17: Severe Tropical Storm OPONG (BUALOI) – PAGASA – September 26, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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