Opong weakens after five landfalls across southern Luzon, Visayas

Typhoon Opong (Bualoi), the Philippines’ 15th cyclone for 2025, has recorded five landfalls: the first in Eastern Samar as a typhoon late on September 25, and the succeeding four as a severe tropical storm in Masbate, Romblon (two times), and Oriental Mindoro the following day.

Several areas in Southern Luzon and the northern portion of Aklan have been placed under Typhoon Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) #3, indicating storm-force winds with moderate to significant damage potential. Meanwhile, Metro Manila remains under TCWS #2, resulting in class suspensions in accordance with Memorandum Circular No. 102 issued by Malacañang Palace and DepEd Order No. 22, s. 2024.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported a total of 14 deaths due to Typhoon Opong and past cyclones, with eight recorded in Cagayan Valley and three each in Central Luzon and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR); meanwhile, over 5,000 passengers remain displaced and stranded in ports in areas hit by the severe tropical storm, particularly within the Eastern Visayas and Southern Tagalog regions, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.

Opong continues to move westward at 20 km/h with maximum sustained winds of up to 110 km/h near the center and gusts of up to 150 km/h. It is forecasted to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by tomorrow afternoon; however, it is expected to remain a significant weather system as it traverses the West Philippine Sea, with the possibility of reintensifying into a typhoon later on.

The storm is the fifth to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this September, following Super Typhoon Nando that made landfall earlier this month.

Source: https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/tropical-cyclone/severe-weather-bulletin/1