Key Facts
- Typhoon Bualoi made landfall in northern central Vietnam on September 28–29, 2025, after sweeping across the central Philippines earlier in the week.
- In Vietnam, at least 19 people have died, 21 are missing, and 88 were injured. In the Philippines, at least 10 fatalities were recorded, with widespread flooding and displacement.
- The storm struck Ha Tinh and Nghe An provinces with wind gusts reaching 130 km/h and rainfall exceeding 300 mm in just 24 hours.
- More than 100,000 homes were damaged or flooded, 10,000 hectares of rice paddies and crops submerged, and over 347,000 households lost power.
- Sea swells up to 8 meters inundated coastal areas, destroying boats and sweeping away bridges.
- Authorities evacuated tens of thousands of residents, while four airports in central Vietnam suspended operations. In the Philippines, classes and work were suspended across several storm-hit provinces.
Background
Typhoon Bualoi, known locally as Opong in the Philippines, was the ninth typhoon of the 2025 Pacific season. It originated northeast of Yap on September 22 and rapidly intensified before entering the South China Sea and striking Vietnam. The country’s long coastline and seasonal monsoon rains make it especially vulnerable to tropical cyclones, which frequently cause floods and landslides.
Official Statements
Vietnam’s weather agency warned of flash floods and landslides in several regions shortly after landfall. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh ordered swift rescue efforts and deployed military units to restore power, clear roads, and aid stranded communities.
In the Philippines, weather authorities stressed that Bualoi had intensified the monsoon, extending the risk of floods even after the storm moved on.
Local residents in Vietnam described the destruction as unprecedented, with entire neighborhoods flooded and personal belongings lost.
Reactions
Rescue workers have been mobilized to search for missing fishermen and evacuate isolated communities. Humanitarian organizations, including the Red Cross, raised concerns about prolonged power outages and blocked roads slowing relief delivery.
Climate experts warned that rising sea surface temperatures are fueling stronger and wetter storms, with Bualoi serving as another reminder of climate-linked intensification of typhoons in Southeast Asia.
Impact
The storm left severe humanitarian, economic, and infrastructural consequences. In Vietnam, tens of thousands were displaced, with crops and food supplies damaged, threatening food security. Transportation networks, including major roads and bridges, were crippled. Airports across central provinces faced cancellations and delays.
Economic losses are expected to reach hundreds of millions of dollars, with damage to agriculture, fisheries, and power infrastructure at the forefront. In the Philippines, more than 400,000 residents were displaced, many schools were converted into evacuation centers, and communities are struggling with prolonged disruption.
Global / Geopolitical Angle
Typhoon Bualoi highlights Southeast Asia’s vulnerability to climate-driven disasters and has renewed calls for stronger regional cooperation on early warning systems and resilient infrastructure. ASEAN emergency mechanisms were activated to support cross-border disaster response, demonstrating the growing importance of disaster diplomacy and shared resilience planning in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Typhoon Bualoi
1. What is Typhoon Bualoi?
Typhoon Bualoi was a powerful tropical cyclone in September 2025 that struck the Philippines before making landfall in central Vietnam. It was the ninth typhoon of the Pacific season.
2. When did Typhoon Bualoi hit Vietnam?
The storm made landfall on September 28–29, 2025, affecting Ha Tinh and Nghe An provinces with heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding.
3. How many people died in Typhoon Bualoi?
At least 19 people were confirmed dead in Vietnam, with 21 missing and 88 injured. In the Philippines, the storm and related monsoon rains caused at least 10 deaths.
4. What areas were worst affected in Vietnam?
Ha Tinh and Nghe An provinces suffered the most damage, including flooded villages, destroyed bridges, and widespread power outages. Hanoi also experienced significant street flooding.
5. What was the impact on agriculture?
Over 10,000 hectares of rice paddies and farmland were submerged, raising concerns about food shortages and economic losses for farmers.
6. How did Typhoon Bualoi affect the Philippines?
The storm enhanced monsoon rains, causing widespread flooding, displacing more than 400,000 people, and forcing schools and offices to close in several provinces.
7. What measures are being taken for relief and recovery?
Vietnam deployed military engineers to restore power, clear blocked roads, and rescue stranded communities. Humanitarian groups are assisting with shelter, food, and medical aid.
8. Why are storms like Bualoi becoming more destructive?
Experts say warming sea surface temperatures caused by climate change are fueling stronger and wetter tropical cyclones, making them increasingly destructive.
9. How does Typhoon Bualoi compare with past storms in the region?
While Vietnam regularly experiences typhoons, Bualoi is one of the most destructive storms in recent years due to its heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and the scale of damage to homes and infrastructure.
10. What is being done regionally to improve disaster preparedness?
ASEAN countries are working together to enhance early warning systems, disaster response coordination, and investment in resilient infrastructure to reduce future storm impacts.
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