30 Dead, Millions Affected: What You’re Not Being Told About the Cyclones and Habagat Devastating the Philippines
By [Your Name] | July 26, 2025

As the Philippines reels from the aftermath of multiple weather disasters, 30 people are confirmed dead and millions more are suffering from the destruction caused by tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon (Habagat). But beneath the headlines lies a deeper crisis—one that’s crippling infrastructure, destroying livelihoods, and pushing thousands into emergency shelters.

In this article, we break down the full impact of the Philippines cyclones and Habagat 2025, explain what’s fueling the devastation, and reveal what every Filipino—and the world—needs to know right now.

What Happened? Cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong Strike Back-to-Back

Over the past week, three consecutive tropical cyclones—Crising, Dante, and Emong—battered the Philippines, bringing torrential rains, destructive winds, and flash floods. While these cyclones have now exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), their lingering effects are far from over.

What’s worse is that the southwest monsoon, locally known as “Habagat,” continues to drench the country, compounding the destruction left behind by the storms. Experts say this combination of weather systems has triggered one of the most widespread natural disasters the country has seen in years.

Death Toll Rises: Where Were the Most Lives Lost?

As of Saturday, July 26, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) confirmed that 30 people have died due to the impacts of the cyclones and monsoon rains. The National Capital Region (NCR) has reported the highest number of deaths at nine, followed by Western Visayas with six, and Calabarzon with four. The remaining deaths are spread across various regions still reeling from the storm’s aftereffects.

In addition to the fatalities, at least 10 individuals were injured, and seven are still missing. Authorities caution that these numbers could rise further as assessments continue in remote and inaccessible areas.

Displacement Crisis: Over 310,000 Forced From Their Homes

The devastation goes beyond casualties. According to the NDRRMC, a staggering 5.2 million people across 17 regions have been affected. Out of this number, approximately 310,000 individuals have been displaced from their homes. These evacuees are now sheltered in over 1,783 evacuation centers nationwide.

These makeshift shelters, while essential, are rapidly reaching capacity. Sanitation concerns, food shortages, and health risks are escalating as families remain crowded in limited spaces without adequate resources.

Over 1,400 Areas Flooded — What Regions Declared Calamity?

Flooding has submerged a total of 1,401 areas, disrupting daily life and isolating entire communities. In response, 154 localities have declared a state of calamity, a legal measure that allows local governments to access emergency funds and implement rapid disaster response efforts.

The most severely affected areas include Metro Manila, Western Visayas, Central Luzon, and the Ilocos Region. Many residents report rising waters that have not subsided for days, and several barangays remain unreachable due to landslides or damaged infrastructure.

Infrastructure and Agriculture: Billions in Damages Uncovered

The economic toll is staggering. The NDRRMC reports ₱5 billion worth of damage to infrastructure, affecting 368 public and private structures. Bridges have collapsed, roads are impassable, and public utilities like power and water have been disrupted in several provinces.

Housing was not spared either. A total of 3,569 homes have been damaged, resulting in estimated losses of ₱3.2 million. For many families, rebuilding is not just a physical task—it’s a financial burden they cannot shoulder alone.

Agriculture, a vital sector for millions of Filipinos, suffered a blow with ₱766 million in losses. More than 19,000 hectares of crops have been destroyed, affecting over 19,000 farmers. Additionally, livestock, poultry, and fisheries have incurred ₱11.86 million in damages, raising fears of food shortages and rising prices in the weeks to come.

Why Was the Impact So Severe?

Several factors contributed to the severity of this disaster. Climate experts point to a combination of climate change-driven weather anomalies, poor urban drainage systems, and vulnerable coastal settlements as key reasons why the damage was so extensive.

With the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events increasing each year, the Philippines remains one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Without serious investment in disaster-resilient infrastructure and climate adaptation strategies, experts warn that future calamities could bring even greater devastation.

What’s Being Done — and Is It Enough?

In the wake of the disaster, national and local governments have mobilized emergency response units. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Philippine Red Cross are actively distributing relief goods and hygiene kits to affected communities.

Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, especially in landslide-prone and flood-isolated areas. However, critics argue that the national disaster preparedness system is still underfunded and reactive, rather than proactive. Delayed evacuations, overwhelmed evacuation centers, and communication breakdowns highlight systemic weaknesses that must be addressed urgently.

What You Can Do: Ways to Help Cyclone Victims in the Philippines

If you’re looking to help, there are multiple ways to support those affected. Donations can be made to reputable humanitarian organizations like the Philippine Red Cross, Gawad Kalinga, and UNICEF Philippines. These groups are on the ground providing essential supplies, medical aid, and temporary shelter.

Volunteering, especially in logistics and packing centers, can also make a big difference. Even spreading verified updates and appeals on social media helps raise awareness and direct aid where it’s needed most.

Finally, advocacy matters. Pushing for stronger climate action, disaster risk reduction programs, and infrastructure investments will go a long way in preventing future tragedies.

Final Thoughts: Will This Be a Turning Point?

The devastation caused by the Philippines cyclones and Habagat 2025 is a sobering reminder of the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters. With 30 lives lost, billions in damages, and millions affected, the nation faces a critical moment.

Will we take this as a wake-up call to strengthen our disaster preparedness systems? Or will we wait, once again, for another storm to shake us into action?

Stay informed, stay safe, and let’s not forget those whose lives were forever changed by this catastrophe.