In a devastating display of nature’s power, the Philippines was battered by not one, but two deadly typhoons in November 2025, leaving millions of families in crisis and prompting an outpouring of international aid. As Super Typhoon Uwan—known internationally as Fung-wong—swept across the archipelago, the country was still reeling from the deadly aftermath of Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi), which had struck just days earlier. The storms, arriving in quick succession, unleashed torrential rains, destructive winds, and widespread flooding across 16 regions, impacting a staggering 2.1 million families and testing the resilience of communities, emergency services, and the government alike.
According to reports from the Daily Mail and other international outlets, Super Typhoon Fung-wong reached its peak on November 9, 2025, with wind speeds of 140 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 170 kph. The storm’s radius spanned almost the entire country, prompting the preemptive evacuation of nearly 1.2 million people. Civil defense officials described the situation as dire, particularly for the island province of Catanduanes, which took a direct hit from the typhoon’s eye. “As we speak, they are feeling the impact of the typhoon, especially in Catanduanes, because the storm's eye is closest there,” said civil defence deputy administrator Rafaelito Alejandro during a press briefing.
The human toll was immediate and tragic. The first reported death was that of a 64-year-old woman in the central Philippines, who lost her life while attempting to evacuate. Her body was found beneath debris and uprooted trees, a grim testament to the storm’s ferocity. Schools and government offices across Luzon—including the capital, Manila—were ordered closed on November 10, and nearly 300 flights were canceled as the country braced for the worst. Floodwaters surged, coastal waves battered communities, and infrastructure buckled under the relentless assault of wind and rain.
The scale of the disaster was only compounded by the lingering effects of Typhoon Kalmaegi, which had battered the Philippines earlier in the month. That storm, with winds reaching 185 kilometers per hour near its center and gusts up to 230 kph, killed at least 204 people and left more than 100 missing. It also claimed lives in neighboring Vietnam, making it one of the deadliest storms of the year worldwide. Many regions devastated by Kalmaegi were hit again by Fung-wong, deepening the humanitarian crisis and overwhelming local resources.
In response to the unfolding catastrophe, Allianz SE, a global insurance giant with deep roots in Asia, announced a major humanitarian initiative. The company pledged up to 200,000 euros in relief funds, with 100,000 euros immediately directed to the German Red Cross to support the Philippine Red Cross’s urgent rescue and relief operations. The remaining funds were earmarked for post-disaster recovery, focusing on disaster prevention and climate resilience in partnership with Allianz PNB Life and local organizations.
Renate Wagner, a member of the Board of Management of Allianz SE responsible for the Asia Pacific region, underscored the company’s commitment: “At Allianz, we stand united with the people and communities of the Philippines, determined to help them recover following the recent typhoons. Through targeted financial relief and hands-on support, we’re helping families rebuild, businesses restart, and hope returns.”
This sentiment was echoed by Joseph Gross, CEO and President of Allianz PNB Life, who emphasized the company’s focus on protecting lives and livelihoods. “At Allianz, we stand beside you throughout a natural catastrophe, helping protect what matters most: people first, then property and business continuity. We are committed to bolstering disaster relief efforts in the Philippines, thanks to the generous support of our parent company Allianz SE.”
Allianz PNB Life, the company’s local arm, plays a crucial role in the country’s insurance sector, serving thousands of customers and employing over 400 financial advisors along with 2,000 LifeChangers who cater to agency clients. Their widespread presence ensures that support reaches even the most affected and remote communities. In times of crisis, insurers like Allianz provide not just financial lifelines, but also a sense of security and hope—critical elements for recovery and rebuilding.
The storms’ impact extended beyond immediate destruction. The back-to-back disasters forced the government and international agencies to confront the growing threat posed by climate change. The increasing frequency and severity of such natural catastrophes have become a harsh reality for the Philippines, an archipelago that sits squarely in the path of Pacific typhoons. Each year, the country braces for an average of 20 tropical storms, but the recent events have raised fresh questions about preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and the adequacy of existing disaster response frameworks.
For many Filipinos, the challenge is not just surviving the storm, but picking up the pieces afterward. Flooded homes, ruined crops, and destroyed businesses leave families vulnerable to poverty and displacement. Aid organizations, both local and international, have scrambled to deliver food, water, medicine, and shelter to those in need. The Philippine Red Cross, supported by the German Red Cross and Allianz’s funding, deployed teams for rescue operations, medical assistance, and the distribution of relief goods in the hardest-hit areas.
The government’s civil defense department coordinated mass evacuations and issued warnings, but the sheer scale of the disaster revealed gaps in early warning systems and evacuation infrastructure. In some communities, residents had little time to escape rising waters and landslides. The closure of schools and government offices, while necessary for safety, also disrupted daily life and underscored the far-reaching consequences of such events.
Looking forward, Allianz’s commitment to post-disaster support aims to address not just immediate needs, but also long-term resilience. Funds will be allocated to programs that strengthen disaster prevention, improve climate adaptation strategies, and help communities rebuild in ways that reduce future risks. “We’re helping families rebuild, businesses restart, and hope returns,” Wagner reaffirmed, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to recovery.
Allianz’s involvement in the Philippines is part of a broader regional strategy. The company has established strong market positions across Southeast Asia, including in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Its focus on Asia as a strategic growth region reflects both the opportunities and challenges presented by the continent’s dynamic economies and vulnerability to natural disasters.
The story of Super Typhoon Uwan and Typhoon Kalmaegi is a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the urgent need for preparedness, solidarity, and compassion. As the Philippines begins the long road to recovery, the support of organizations like Allianz, alongside the resilience of its people, offers a glimmer of hope amid the devastation. For many families, the path ahead remains uncertain, but the outpouring of aid and the determination to rebuild are powerful testaments to the enduring spirit of the Filipino people.
