Tropical Cyclone 20W (Jacinto) and 23W (Mirasol)
Tropical Cyclone 23W (Mirasol) on September 16-18, 2025
On September 16, tropical cyclone 23W developed from a low-pressure area (INVEST 99W) located east of Quezon, the Philippines, which was locally named “Mirasol”. The cyclone had maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center, with gusts up to 70 km/h, while moving northwestward at 25 km/h. The cyclone was expected to slightly weaken as it traveled across the Northern Luzon landmass. However, once over the West Philippine Sea, authorities indicated that it intensified and reached tropical storm category accordingly, according to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre).
Tropical Cyclone 20W (Jacinto) on August 29-31, 2025
On August 29, the storm was first identified as a low-pressure area (INVEST 93W), which later intensified into tropical cyclone 20W, which was locally named “Jacinto”, over the East Sea of Vietnam, according to the Vietnam National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF). At its peak, maximum sustained winds near the center reached levels 6 to 7 (39–61 km/h), with gusts up to level 9, while the system moved northwestward at a speed of around 15 km/h. By August 31, the cyclone passed across central Lao PDR, moving northwestward at about 25 km/h, before weakening into a tropical depression and eventually dissipating further.
Damage and losses
Impact on the affected area
Several countries have been severely impacted by devastating storms that brought heavy rainfall, compounded by the southwest monsoon. The affected countries include Lao PDR, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines.
In the Philippines, on August 29, tropical cyclone 20W combined with the southwest monsoon and a low-pressure area, which delivered heavy rain and gusty winds across multiple regions of the country. Although immediate structure for the cyclone 20W alone did not specify crop-level losses, available data also indicated that heavy monsoon rains and sequential storms caused significant agricultural damage worth and resulted in the loss of production.
Moreover, from September 16 to 18, tropical cyclone 23W brought minimal to minor impacts mainly from strong winds. Its center made landfall in Isabela, near the northern portion of Aurora, the Philippines. However, it did not move further inland. It instead tracked along the coastal waters of Northern and Central Luzon.
In Lao PDR, several consecutive days of heavy rainfall triggered flash floods across many areas, damaging homes, roads, and farmlands. Authorities warned of continued flood risks as rainfall persisted. According to the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH), from August 29 to 31, Lao PDR experienced rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds in most regions, with particularly heavy rainfall in the central and southern provinces. Those conditions raised the risk of flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas. The Mekong River Commission (MRC) also reported that from August 30 to September 1, thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rainfall would affect central parts of the Lower Mekong Basin, especially in central Lao PDR.
In Thailand, the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand also strengthened, causing heavy rainfall in both eastern provinces and southwestern regions. Strong winds generated waves 2–3 meters high in the upper Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, with heights exceeding 3 meters in areas experiencing thunderstorms.
In Vietnam, heavy rains and thunderstorms hit several provinces, including Quang Tri, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh provinces, while landslides occurred along roads in Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces, damaging 43 houses. Floods also caused significant damage to agricultural crops and livestock.
Agricultural devastation
Agricultural land:
Affected crops:
Government responses and countermeasures
In Lao PDR, the national weather bureau has urged the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions against potential flooding. Residents living near rivers, streams, and low-lying areas have been advised to stay alert and implement measures to protect their safety and property.
In the Philippines, the NDRRMC remains on Blue Alert due to the combined impacts of the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Kajiki and 20W. The council has conducted a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA), maintained continuous monitoring and coordination with OCD Regional Offices and member agencies, activated both the Virtual Emergency Operations Center and the Inter-Agency Coordination Cell, and issued Emergency Alert and Warning Messages to the public.
In Thailand, provincial governors have been instructed to work closely with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), establish emergency operations centers, and activate response plans as needed. Preparedness measures include designating evacuation zones, distributing essential supplies, clearing drainage systems, and inspecting high-risk structures such as billboards and tall buildings.
In Vietnam, no official information regarding the situation has been reported yet.
Sources:
Download PDF file click here: Tropical Cyclone 20W (Jacinto) and 23W (Mirasol)
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