Severe Tropical Storm Bualoi makes six landfalls over Luzon and Visayas islands

By Katrina Hallare and Miriam Doñoz | Field and Emergency Communications Specialists

Severe Tropical Storm Bualoi (local name: Opong) made six landfalls—first in the Visayas and then in several areas Luzon — causing widespread damage and disruption across affected communities.

“I urge everyone to join us in praying for good weather and for the safety of our people who are being ravaged by the typhoon during this time,” said World Vision National Director Dr. Herbert Carpio.

He added, “Protecting children during emergencies isn’t just a priority—it’s a reflection of who we are and what we stand for.” Prior to the storm, World Vision assisted communities are advised to monitor the typhoon and ensure their safety.

The typhoon brought torrential rains, and strong winds that tore through the Visayas and Luzon islands on Thursday and Friday respectively. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the storm was last recorded having maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph. 

PAGASA said that “Bualoi” first made landfall in San Policarpio, Eastern Samar on Thursday night, Sept. 25. It then made landfall five more times over three provinces in Luzon by Friday, Sept. 26.

Classes and government work in some parts of Luzon and Visayas, including Metro Manila, were suspended due to the typhoon. Several flights and sea trips in affected areas of Luzon and Visayas were also cancelled. Latest records from the government also showed that Bualoi left 14 people dead and over 5,000 travelers stranded in seaports.

Meanwhile, World Vision works in Eastern Samar where the typhoon made landfall, supporting children and families in vulnerable communities.

“Last night, we experienced heavy rains. There were toppled trees, and some roofs were ripped off by intense winds caused by the typhoon. The storm also caused a blackout,” said Rosalie Baje, World Vision Program Officer for Eastern Samar. Baje added that the children and their families in the World Vision assisted communities are safe.

Luzon has also been experiencing bad weather, especially in the Bicol region. Josephine Concepcion, a World Vision volunteer in Camarines Norte, said, “We have windy conditions over here. Occasional heavy rains are being experienced here as well.”

Bualoi’s rains bring memories for residents of Camarines Norte of Severe Tropical Storm Trami (local name: Kristine), which also hit the province nearly a year ago.

“When strong storms such as these come to our area, we prepare ourselves by evacuating to safety,” Concepcion added.

All the children and their families in the World Vision’s served communities are safe, including the staff and community volunteers.

Before Bualoi unleashed its wrath, World Vision prepositioned its staff to monitor children and their families, as well as in coordinating with local government units for possible impact.

Apart from this, World Vision is active in disaster risk preparedness, as it partnered with communities to empower and strengthen their disaster risk reduction plans. Drills and distribution of quick dry bags were also conducted by World Vision in its partner communities.

Bualoi, the 15th tropical cyclone to enter the Philippines this year, is forecast to exit the country on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 27.

Meanwhile, World Vision’s local partner in Cagayan is assessing the severity of the damage caused by Ragasa that left the country a few days before Bualoi’s landfall. Ragasa made landfall in Cagayan province.