On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the Philippine island of Catanduanes found itself bracing for yet another natural threat as thousands of residents evacuated their homes ahead of Tropical Storm Fengshen. The island, home to approximately 270,000 people, has long been the first line of defense against cyclones that develop in the western Pacific Ocean. This time, the warnings came with a sense of urgency and weary familiarity, as the community had only just begun to recover from a string of devastating earthquakes and typhoons in recent weeks.
According to reporting by AFP, more than 9,000 Catanduanes residents moved to safer ground as weather experts cautioned about the storm’s potential impact. The government’s weather service forecasted that Fengshen’s eye would brush past the island later that day, bringing gusts of up to 80 kilometers per hour (about 50 miles per hour). The primary concern was not only the strong winds but also the heavy rainfall and the “minimal to moderate risk” of coastal flooding, with 1.2-meter (3.2-foot) waves expected to be pushed ashore.
Evacuations on Catanduanes have become a well-rehearsed drill. The provincial disaster office, anticipating the storm’s arrival, coordinated with local officials to activate evacuation plans for residents in "high-risk areas," including the coast, low-lying communities, and slopes prone to landslides. Gerry Rubio, a rescue official, told AFP that the provincial government’s directive was clear: “Activate their respective evacuation plans” to minimize the danger posed by the approaching storm.
For many on Catanduanes, this was not their first encounter with nature’s fury. The Philippines, as a whole, is battered by an average of 20 storms and typhoons each year, many of which strike the same disaster-prone regions where millions struggle with poverty and limited infrastructure. These repeated emergencies test the resilience of communities and the effectiveness of disaster preparedness efforts.
Scientists and local officials alike have noted that the storms affecting the Philippines are not only frequent but also growing in intensity. According to climate experts cited by AFP and other news agencies, human-driven climate change is fueling more powerful storms across the region. As the planet warms, the energy available to tropical storms increases, often leading to heavier rainfall, stronger winds, and greater risks of flooding and landslides. For vulnerable communities like Catanduanes, these trends spell an uncertain and challenging future.
The timing of Fengshen’s approach could hardly have been worse. The country was still reeling from a series of major earthquakes that struck earlier in October 2025. In Cebu province, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake killed at least 79 people. Just days later, a powerful magnitude 7.4 quake hit off the coast of the southern Philippines, resulting in at least six more deaths and triggering a second, magnitude 6.9 quake later that same day. Tsunami warnings were issued after each seismic event, adding to the anxiety and disruption faced by local populations.
These natural disasters have left a trail of destruction and displacement. In late September, Typhoon Ragasa slammed into the northern Philippines, killing several people and forcing thousands to evacuate from villages and schools. Offices were shuttered, and emergency shelters filled quickly as the storm brought damaging winds and torrential rain. The memory of Ragasa’s impact was still fresh for many as they prepared once again to leave their homes in anticipation of Fengshen’s arrival.
Despite the frequency of such events, the Filipino spirit remains remarkably resilient. Evacuation drills and community preparedness have become a part of daily life in places like Catanduanes. Local officials and disaster response teams coordinate closely, drawing on hard-earned experience to minimize loss of life and property. Yet, as the storms grow stronger and the earthquakes more frequent, the strain on resources and morale is undeniable.
The Weather Channel, recognized as the world’s most accurate forecaster according to ForecastWatch data from 2017 to 2022, has played a crucial role in providing timely and reliable information to residents and officials alike. Their accurate forecasts have helped guide evacuation efforts and inform emergency responses, highlighting the importance of data and technology in disaster management. As The Weather Channel noted in its October 18, 2025 update, “We recognize our responsibility to use data and technology for good.”
But for all the advancements in forecasting and preparedness, the underlying challenges remain. The Philippines’ geography—an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands—makes it particularly vulnerable to both tropical cyclones and seismic activity. Many communities are built in low-lying coastal areas or on unstable slopes, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides during storms.
Adding to the complexity is the nation’s economic reality. Many of those most at risk from natural disasters are also among the poorest, lacking the resources to rebuild or relocate after each event. Emergency shelters, though vital, are often overcrowded and underfunded. The cycle of disaster and recovery can seem endless for families who must evacuate multiple times a year, sometimes with little more than the clothes on their backs.
Climate change, as underscored by scientists and echoed in government reports, is exacerbating these vulnerabilities. Rising sea surface temperatures provide more fuel for storms like Fengshen, while shifting weather patterns can make rainfall more unpredictable and intense. The result is a heightened risk of both immediate disasters and long-term displacement, with entire communities facing the prospect of relocation as their homes become uninhabitable.
Despite these daunting challenges, there are signs of hope and progress. The Philippine government, with support from international agencies and local NGOs, has invested in early warning systems, disaster education, and infrastructure improvements. Community-based disaster risk reduction programs empower residents to take an active role in their own safety, from organizing evacuation drills to monitoring local hazards.
The story of Catanduanes and its people is one of endurance and adaptation. Each storm, each earthquake, is a test—and so far, the community has risen to the challenge with courage and determination. Yet, as the world warms and the risks mount, the need for sustained investment in preparedness, resilience, and climate action has never been clearer.
As Tropical Storm Fengshen moves past Catanduanes and the rest of the country braces for what may come next, the lessons learned from past disasters are put into practice once again. The hope is that, with better forecasting, stronger infrastructure, and a collective commitment to resilience, the people of the Philippines can weather whatever storms the future holds.
