Typhoon Matmo Strikes Philippines, Compounding Disaster Response Efforts

On October 3rd, 2025, Typhoon Matmo made landfall in the northern Philippines, bringing strong winds of up to 130 kph (81 mph) and heavy rainfall. The typhoon, known locally as Paolo, has further exacerbated the country's ongoing disaster response efforts following a deadly earthquake and two other recent storms.

Just last week, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the central province, killing at least 72 people and injuring over 550 others, mostly in the city of Bogo and surrounding towns. More than 5,000 houses were damaged, and some residents were forced to take shelter in parks, grassy clearings, and on sidewalks due to sporadic aftershocks that left them too fearful to return to their homes.

Prior to Typhoon Matmo's arrival, the Philippines had already been hit by two other storms. Bualoi caused at least 37 deaths and displaced thousands before moving on to Vietnam, where it claimed an additional 49 lives and caused an estimated $485 million in economic damages. And just last month, Super Typhoon Ragasa, the world's strongest tropical cyclone of the year, passed by the Philippines before making landfall in southern China, resulting in several fatalities.

With the added impact of Typhoon Matmo, the country's disaster response efforts have become even more challenging, as authorities work to provide aid and support to those affected by the recent natural disasters. The typhoon has forced school closures and prohibited cargo and fishing vessels from entering the rough seas along its path, further complicating the situation.