Typhoon Bualoi Causes Damage in Southeast Asia
Tropical Cyclone Bualoi on September 25–30, 2025
After tropical cyclone Ragasa weakened into a low-pressure area over northern Vietnam, tropical cyclone Bualoi, which was locally named “Opong”, intensified into a typhoon over the Philippine Sea. The cyclone had maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h near the center with gusts of up to 165 km/h, moving northwestward, with strong winds extending outward up to 460 km from the center on September 25.
From September 26 to 27, the cyclone moved generally west-northwestward near the Sibuyan Sea and traversed the mainland and island provinces of the Bicol Region, southern CALABARZON, and northern MIMAROPA in the Philippines before emerging over the West Philippine Sea. It remained at typhoon or severe tropical storm strength during its path, and re-intensification was high once the typhoon entered the West Philippine Sea. Additionally, the agency reported that localities experienced heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surges, with rainfall exceeding 200 mm in some areas of northern and eastern Samar, Biliran, Sorsogon, Masbate, Oriental Mindoro, and Romblon in the Philippines.
Lastly, from September 28 to 29, the cyclone continued moving northwestward and intensified over the sea between Ha Tinh and Hue City in Vietnam, with wind speeds reaching levels 12–13 and gusts up to level 16. It then moved inland, weakened into a tropical depression, and later dissipated into a low-pressure area over northern Lao PDR. The cyclone caused several hazardous conditions such as strong winds, rough seas, storm surges, and heavy rainfall in many countries, including Lao PDR, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Damage and losses
Impact on the affected area
Tropical cyclone Bualoi brought widespread devastation across several Southeast Asian countries. In the Philippines, the cyclone caused extensive flooding, landslides, and strong winds across Luzon and the Visayas, affecting nearly 2.7 million people and displacing over 255,000 people. Infrastructure and agriculture suffered heavy losses, with over 8,900 houses damaged and 29.9 million USD in total estimated damages. Transport and power systems were disrupted, while 53 localities were declared under a state of calamity. In Vietnam, the storm struck central provinces, including Ha Tinh, Nghe An, and Thanh Hoa, resulting in at least 19 deaths, 13 missing persons, and widespread destruction of over 150,000 houses. Around 34,000 hectares of crops, 10,000 hectares of aquaculture, and 6,400 power poles were destroyed, leading to major blackouts and transportation disruptions. In Lao PDR, severe rains triggered flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage across several provinces, including Savannakhet, Attapeu, and Houaphanh, isolating communities and inundating farmlands. In Thailand, remnants of the cyclone Bualoi caused severe flooding in at least 17 provinces, particularly in Ayutthaya and northern regions, affecting over 270,000 people and damaging homes, schools, bridges, and agricultural areas. The disaster resulted in several fatalities, road blockages, and widespread agricultural losses across multiple regions.
Agricultural devastation
Agricultural land:
Affected crops:
Government responses and countermeasures
In Lao PDR, the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) and the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) maintained close monitoring of the storm’s progression, issuing early warnings and regular updates. The agencies coordinated preparedness and response measures with provincial authorities to ensure community safety and timely dissemination of advisories.
In the Philippines, The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) maintained red alert status to coordinate nationwide response operations. Over 400,000 people were pre-emptively evacuated as authorities conducted search and rescue missions, debris clearing, and distribution of relief goods. Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment teams were mobilized to assess impacts and support early recovery in affected areas.
In Thailand, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) led response efforts across 17 affected provinces, establishing evacuation centers and deploying the Royal Thai Navy, military units, and volunteers for rescue operations. Authorities distributed emergency aid and monitored water levels, urging communities near rivers and foothills to stay alert for floods and landslides.
In Vietnam, following directives from the Prime Minister, more than 53,000 residents were evacuated ahead of a landfall. Authorities focused on securing vessels, reinforcing dikes and reservoirs, and protecting infrastructure and agricultural assets. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment coordinated with provincial governments and the military to deliver emergency supplies, repair damaged houses, and ensure public safety.
Sources:
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