Tropical Cyclone Crising, Wipha, and Southwest Monsoon in Lao PDR, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam
Tropical Cyclone Crising, Wipha, and the related monsoon situation on July 17-21, 2025
Tropical Cyclone Crising developed from a low-pressure system (INVEST 96W) on July 16, located east of Catanduanes, the Philippines. It later strengthened into a tropical depression, locally named “Crising”, with its center approximately 535 km away. The system tracked west to northwest over the waters east of the Bicol Region. The estimated maximum sustained wind speed was around 55 km/h, with gusts also reaching up to 55 km/h. Tropical cyclone Crising made landfall over the Philippines’ mainland of Cagayan on July 19, then passed over the northern part of Northern Luzon before exiting the Philippines on the morning of July 20. The cyclone brought hazardous conditions, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal inundation. Severe winds were reported in several areas of Northern Philippines, including Batangas, Quezon, the Bicol Region, Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon on July 19.
Tropical cyclone Wipha gradually developed near the Philippines and later moved toward Taiwan and Vietnam. On July 21, it advanced toward Vietnam, at a distance of about 190 km from Quang Ninh and 310 km from Hai Phong. It brought heavy rainfall and significantly enhanced the southwest monsoon, which impacted both the Philippines and Vietnam. Its central wind speed ranged from approximately 75 to 88 km/h, classified as level 9, and later intensified to level 11 as it moved west to southwest at a speed of 10–15 km/h. Forecasts indicated the cyclone could reach level 14 in gust strength by July 22. It made landfall with its center over Lao PDR, then gradually weakened into a low-pressure area by July 23. The cyclone brought hazardous conditions to affected countries, including thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides. Rivers overflowed, and mudslides were reported in multiple areas under surveillance. Strong winds and rough seas were observed, reaching level 7–8 with gusts up to level 10, and waves measuring 3–5 meters along coastal areas in Vietnam.
Damage and losses
Impact on the affected area
Many countries have experienced significant damage caused by tropical cyclones, including tropical cyclone Wipha and tropical cyclone Crising, which also intensified the southwest monsoon in affected areas.
In Lao PDR, widespread flooding occurred from July 18 to 28, submerging rice fields for up to 7 days. Soil remains waterlogged, and landslide in some areas in northern and central provinces are standing water has not receded. Field access is limited in low-lying areas, that farmers have reported seedling decay and have had to replant again. Flooding caused by tropical cyclone Wipha and the southwest monsoon led to heavy rain and overflow from the rivers, resulting in 9 provinces, 42 districts, 540 villages, and 15,715 families affected, and other provinces were less affected. 8 rice storages were damaged and crop destruction impacted household food security and income. Additionally, 52 irrigation systems were damaged. Moreover, it damaged people; 35,526 people were affected and 2,249 houses were damaged.
The Philippines has experienced significant household and economic impacts from the latest tropical cyclones. The effects of heavy rains have intensified existing devastation, particularly in the agriculture, shelter, and infrastructure sectors. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), tropical cyclone Crising, which later intensified into a severe tropical storm, affected 37,598 families in 417 villages. Reports include widespread flooding, minor landslides, and obstructed roadways due to fallen trees. Infrastructure damage has been substantial. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported losses amounting to approximately 526.81 million pesos (9.14 million USD) in Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region. Separately, the NDRRMC reported nationwide infrastructure damage totaling around 413 million pesos (7.17 million USD).
In Vietnam, tropical cyclone Wipha made landfall in the northern provinces, particularly between Hưng Yên and Ninh Binh. Approximately 107,000 hectares of land were flooded across the northern provinces, impacting around 11,800 people. The cyclone caused widespread damage, with over 3,700 homes affected, including 459 homes that were severely damaged by strong winds and landslides. In addition, several schools, medical centers, roads, and bridges sustained damage. In mountainous and rural areas, particularly in Nghệ An, Thanh Hóa, and Hòa Bình provinces, roads were damaged or completely deconstructed due to intense flooding and landslides, further isolating affected communities.
In Thailand, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued its fourth warning regarding tropical storm Wipha. Its impact is being intensified by a strong southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. This interaction is expected to cause severe weather across the northern, upper northeastern, central (western), eastern, and western southern regions of the country. The TMD warned of increased risks of flash floods, runoff, and landslides, especially in low-lying areas, near foothills, and along waterways. Additionally, authorities have urged residents in high-risk areas to remain alert and take necessary precautions. The storm has already brought sudden flooding, forest runoff, and river overflows across 7 northern provinces, including Nan, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, and Phrae provinces, and 1 northeastern province, including Loei province. As a result, 50 districts, 246 subdistricts, and 1,348 villages have reported damage, affecting approximately 33,900 households and 115,858 people.
Agricultural devastation
Agricultural land:
In Lao PDR, approximately 11,378 hectares of agricultural land were reported damaged in provinces such as Bokeo, Xayabury, Xiengkhuang, and Khammuan province. However, assessments are still ongoing in several other provinces, including Luang Prabang, Huaphanh, Vientiane, Borikhamxay, Xaysomboun province, and others.
In the Philippines, affected areas include the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas, as well as specific areas such as Malasiqui, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, Batangas, Antique, and Negros Occidental. A total of approximately 14,230 hectares of agricultural land were reported damaged.
In Vietnam, provinces reporting damage include Ninh Binh, Hung Yen, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An provinces, with approximately 119,408 hectares of farmland affected.
In Thailand, no official figures have been released. However, 57 provinces in the northern, northeastern, central, and southern regions have reported general damage. While there are multiple reports of flooded agricultural land, crop losses, and livestock impacts, no quantified figures, such as the total number of hectares or rai of farmland affected, have been officially published.
Affected crops:
In Lao PDR, several agricultural crops were affected. Approximately 49,890 tons of paddy rice production were impacted, with an estimated 6,958 tons to be lost from stock warehouses. Around 9,561 tons of cassava production were affected, with 1,311 tons estimated lost from stock warehouses. Additionally, about 1,211 tons of maize were affected, with 94 tons lost from stock warehouses. Other crop losses are still under assessment.
In the Philippines, approximately 6,700-8,300 tons of paddy rice production were affected, which accounted for 66% of the total agricultural damage, valued at 212.60 million pesos (approximately 3.69 million USD), across 14,842 hectares of cropland, while maize production losses were reported at around 2,200 tons, which accounted for 6.85%. In addition, losses from other crops were estimated at approximately 1.69 million USD. Furthermore, the combined damage to crops, livestock, and fisheries was initially estimated at 96.90 million pesos (approximately 1.68 million USD), affecting approximately 4,665 farmers and resulting in production losses of 2,236 tons, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
In Vietnam, around 119,000 hectares of paddy fields were affected in the most impacted provinces.
In Thailand, no official figures on crop production losses have been released at this time.
Government responses and countermeasures
In response to the impacts of tropical cyclones Wipha and Crising, governments across Lao PDR, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand launched coordinated disaster relief efforts to support affected populations and restore critical services. In Lao PDR, the government appointed the National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC) to lead emergency response activities, providing food, water, medicine, and infrastructure restoration under the 2025 Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan. In the Philippines, the DSWD, local governments, and the Philippine Coast Guard provided food and psychosocial support, and distributed over 920,000 pesos (15,965 USD) in food and non-food assistance. The DA allocated 495.44 million pesos (8.60 million USD) in aid to farmers and fishers, together with crop insurance support. In Vietnam, temporary shelters were established, military and police units were deployed for rescue operations, and ministries coordinated rapid infrastructure repairs and public communication on safety measures.
Nevertheless, in Thailand, the government mobilized extensive national resources, established a 24-hour coordination center, reinforced flood barriers, and deployed water pumps. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly and bedridden, were relocated to temporary shelters managed by local authorities and the DDPM. Royal kitchens and medical teams provided meals, medications, and psychological support. Transportation agencies implemented safety protocols, with detour signage, rescue teams, and facility support at major transport hubs. The DDPM deployed nearly 18,900 relief kits, volunteers, and machinery to affected provinces. On July 25–26, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives visited damaged provinces, implementing further support for farmers and long-term water management planning.
Sources:
Download PDF file click here: Tropical Cyclone Crising, Wipha, and Southwest Monsoon in Lao PDR, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam
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