MANILA, Philippines — October 19, 2025 — At least five people have been confirmed dead and two remain missing after Tropical Storm Fengshen unleashed torrential rain, landslides, and widespread flooding across the Philippines over the weekend. The storm, which struck as the nation was still reeling from a series of deadly earthquakes, forced tens of thousands of residents to flee their homes and seek refuge in evacuation centers.
Tragedy in Quezon Province
In Pitogo, Quezon province, a devastating incident claimed the lives of five family members, including two children, when a massive palm tree toppled onto their bamboo home early Sunday morning. The Philippine disaster response agency confirmed the deaths, noting that a teenage boy was the sole survivor of the tragic event.
Rescuers worked through the day to retrieve the victims as images shared online showed the crushed house buried under the fallen tree. Officials said the accident occurred amid strong winds and intense downpours as Fengshen passed through Luzon, the country’s largest island.
Thousands Displaced, Flights Cancelled
As Fengshen hovered over southern Luzon on Sunday, aviation authorities canceled more than a dozen domestic flights. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the storm was moving westward toward the South China Sea after dumping heavy rainfall across the central and northern regions.
More than 47,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes in southeastern Luzon, particularly in flood-prone areas of Albay, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon, officials said. To prevent dam overflow, five major reservoirs across Luzon opened their floodgates to release water.
“We are coordinating continuous relief and rescue operations,” said a spokesperson from the Office of Civil Defense, adding that affected residents are being provided with food, temporary shelter, and medical aid.
Flooding in Central Philippines
In the central islands of Samar and Panay, officials reported severe flooding that submerged homes, disrupted transport, and forced hundreds to evacuate. Local authorities in Calbayog City shared videos showing raging floodwaters sweeping through urban areas, with vehicles stranded and streets transformed into rivers.
On Panay Island, a man was injured in the town of Estancia when his wooden house collapsed under heavy rain and winds, according to ABS-CBN News.
Landslide in Mindanao Leaves Two Missing
Farther south, in Bukidnon province on the island of Mindanao, a massive landslide buried parts of a highway linking the area to the Davao region. Two people were reported missing after their motorized tricycle plunged off the edge of the road. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) confirmed that road clearing operations were under way but warned motorists to avoid the area as heavy rains persisted.
Storms and Climate Warnings
The Philippines faces an average of 20 tropical storms and typhoons annually, making it one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations. Climate scientists warn that such weather systems are becoming increasingly frequent and intense due to global warming.
Fengshen’s impact follows weeks of national turmoil after a string of major earthquakes killed at least 87 people and displaced thousands earlier this month. The dual disasters have underscored the country’s growing vulnerability to climate-related and geological hazards.
In a statement on Facebook, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for improved disaster preparedness and climate resilience, saying:
“The Philippines is very prone to disasters and calamities. We must strengthen our readiness and response systems to protect our people.”
Humanitarian Response Underway
The Philippine Red Cross, local governments, and military units have mobilized relief teams to provide emergency aid in affected areas. Evacuation centers in Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Northern Mindanao are currently housing displaced families, with relief operations expected to continue as long as rainfall persists.
Meteorologists predict that Tropical Storm Fengshen will exit Philippine territory by Monday morning but warn that residual rains could continue to cause flash floods and landslides in mountainous regions.
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