Typhoon Crising and the Rising Tide of Destructive Storms in the Philippines

The roar of the wind. The crash of waves against fragile seawalls. The silence that follows when entire neighborhoods are submerged in floodwaters. For Filipinos, these scenes are not rare—they are part of a recurring story. Typhoon Crising, known internationally as Severe Tropical Storm Wipha, is the latest chapter in a long history of climate-fueled storms that have battered our archipelago.

But Crising’s story cannot stand alone. To truly understand the crisis we face, we must look at the bigger picture. From Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013 to Odette (Rai) in 2021, from Rolly (Goni) to Karding (Noru), and now Crising, each storm is a reminder that the climate crisis is not a far-off future—it is shaping the present, storm after storm.

Crising: The Most Recent Wake-Up Call

In mid-July 2025, Severe Tropical Storm Crising formed within the Philippine Area of Responsibility. With sustained winds of 100 km/h and gusts up to 125 km/h, it passed near the Babuyan Islands and intensified the Habagat, triggering torrential rains across Luzon.

The combined forces of Crising and the monsoon affected nearly 100,000 people in more than 400 barangays. Thousands were evacuated, cities like Manila experienced flash floods, and provinces from Pangasinan to Cagayan declared states of calamity. The storm alone left at least five dead and seven missing, adding to a combined death toll of 26 from overlapping storms this season.

A Pattern of Devastation: From Yolanda to Odette

While Crising is fresh in memory, it is part of a dangerous pattern. In 2013, Super Typhoon Yolanda devastated the Visayas, claiming over 6,000 lives and displacing millions. It was one of the strongest typhoons ever recorded at landfall and became a symbol of the urgent need for climate action.

Years later, Typhoon Odette (Rai) in 2021 swept through Visayas and Mindanao late in the year, affecting more than 7 million people. With its powerful winds and storm surges, Odette destroyed homes, wrecked infrastructure, and caused billions of pesos in damage. These two storms alone showed how the strongest typhoons can strike any region, any time.

Rolly, Karding, and the Frequency of Super Typhoons

In 2020, Super Typhoon Rolly (Goni) made landfall in Bicol with record-breaking wind speeds, devastating communities already struggling from poverty and the pandemic. It was followed by Typhoon Ulysses (Vamco), which caused massive flooding in Metro Manila and Central Luzon.

Then came Typhoon Karding (Noru) in 2022, which intensified into a super typhoon just before landfall, catching many by surprise. These storms highlight a worrying trend: typhoons are not only becoming stronger but also intensifying faster, leaving little time for preparation.

The Human and Economic Cost of Repeated Disasters

Every typhoon leaves more than physical damage—it leaves a lasting wound on communities. Families lose homes, crops are destroyed, and children’s education is interrupted when schools double as evacuation centers. The emotional toll is immeasurable as survivors rebuild only to face another disaster months later.

The financial cost is staggering. Billions of pesos are lost each year to rebuilding efforts, disrupting long-term development. Resources that could strengthen healthcare, education, or job creation are instead spent on recovery. The cycle of destruction and repair traps many communities in poverty.

Adaptation, Resilience, and Action

The government has invested in disaster risk reduction—early warning systems, improved flood control, and climate-resilient infrastructure. But as storms like Crising, Rolly, and Karding show, adaptation must be faster and more comprehensive. Climate-resilient housing, mangrove restoration, and investments in renewable energy are vital steps forward.

Grassroots organizations are also playing a critical role. Local projects in mangrove planting, reforestation, and sustainable farming are helping communities withstand the impacts of extreme weather. These community-driven solutions must be scaled and supported.

What Filipinos Can Do

Preparedness starts at home. Keeping disaster kits, reinforcing homes, and staying informed through PAGASA advisories can save lives. Communities can organize evacuation drills, support local farmers, and volunteer in disaster relief efforts.

Beyond personal readiness, civic engagement matters. Supporting climate-conscious leaders, demanding strong environmental policies, and joining advocacy groups amplify the call for systemic action. Our bayanihan spirit—rooted in collective strength—can drive change on a national scale.

Our Shared Responsibility in a Climate-Changed Future

Typhoon Crising will not be the last. Storms like Yolanda, Odette, Rolly, Karding, and countless others show us the reality we face: a climate that is shifting, and a country that must adapt or be left vulnerable.

Resilience should not mean surviving one storm after another—it should mean building a future where storms no longer dictate the fate of communities. The Philippines has endured some of the world’s strongest typhoons. Now it is time to lead in climate action, setting an example of strength, adaptation, and hope for the generations that follow.