The death toll from two powerful typhoons that struck the Philippines this month has risen to 259, with millions displaced and recovery efforts underway, authorities confirmed on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. The storms, which battered Luzon and surrounding regions, mark one of the deadliest natural disasters in the country this year.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Typhoon Fung-wong alone caused at least 27 fatalities after making landfall as a super typhoon on November 9. While it weakened significantly while crossing north-central Luzon, heavy rains triggered floods and landslides that destroyed homes and infrastructure. Two individuals remain missing as search operations continue.
Millions of residents across affected areas have been forced into temporary shelters, with emergency teams prioritizing food distribution and medical aid. The back-to-back storms underscore growing concerns about climate resilience in Southeast Asia, particularly as extreme weather events intensify during this year's Pacific typhoon season.
International aid organizations are coordinating with Philippine authorities to address urgent needs, while analysts warn of short-term economic disruptions in agriculture and transportation sectors. The disasters coincide with ongoing debates at regional forums about disaster preparedness funding, a critical issue for APEC members like the Philippines.
