The Philippines is reeling from a series of natural disasters in recent weeks, with ADRA Philippines mobilizing across the country to bring urgent relief to affected families. From a deadly earthquake in Cebu to flash floods in Mindanao and powerful storms in the north, ADRA teams and partners are working tirelessly to provide aid and restore hope.
Earthquake Strikes Cebu Province
On Tuesday morning, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Cebu, home to more than 3.2 million people. At least 26 lives were lost, with dozens more injured. Four buildings collapsed, six bridges were damaged, and key roads became impassable.Officials in San Remigio announced plans to declare a state of calamity due to widespread damage and disruption to the lives to people in the country.
ADRA Philippines immediately began coordinating with Adventist Community Services (ACS) partners in the region. In addition, members of the ADRA Emergency Response Team stationed in Masbate were deployed to Cebu to conduct rapid assessments, gather documentation, and determine priority needs on the ground.
Flash Floods in Valencia City
Just days earlier, on September 17, heavy rains triggered flash floods in Valencia City, displacing hundreds of families and leaving widespread destruction. More than 5,800 individuals were affected, 424 houses were damaged or destroyed, and four deaths and seven missing persons have been confirmed.
Overcrowded evacuation centers highlight the urgent need for food, potable water, bedding, and dignity kits. Water contamination and the risk of disease are also growing concerns.
ADRA, in partnership with ACS Central Mindanao Mission, quickly mobilized to complement the efforts of the local government. A core part of ADRA’s response is Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), which empowers families to meet their most urgent needs—whether food, medicine, hygiene items, or shelter materials—while also supporting the local economy.
Super Typhoon Nando
In Calayan Valley, Super Typhoon Nando (Ragasa) caused mass evacuations as strong winds, torrential rains, and storm surges forced thousands from their homes. At least three deaths were reported, with more than 212,000 people affected and over 11,000 displaced. Power outages and impassable roads continue to hinder access to remote communities.
ADRA is prioritizing coordination and preparedness, gathering data from the hardest-hit areas, and validating reports to ensure that response efforts remain timely and well-targeted. Emergency teams are en route to Calayan Island, where lifelines remain cut off and urgent humanitarian support is needed.
“ADRA Philippines, together with Adventist Community Services, remains committed to standing with the people of Calayan. We are working with partners to deliver timely assistance and support communities as they recover with dignity. Together, we continue to bring hope and extend compassion to those most affected,” says Jupiter Jacinto, ACS and ADRA Emergency Response Coordinator in Calayan Island.
Severe Tropical Storm Opong
Adding to the strain, Severe Tropical Storm Opong (Bualo) devastated Masbate and Mindoro provinces, leaving 27 dead, 33 injured, and 16 missing. Nearly 191,000 people were displaced, with widespread flooding and infrastructure damage reported.
“These overlapping emergencies have affected hundreds of thousands of Filipinos,” said Adelaida Ortilano, ADRA Emergency Response Lead in Mindoro. “While on standby, we continue monitoring the situation together with our partners on the ground. All staff are preparing to be deployed as we maximize our mobilization to serve more communities and ensure timely assistance reaches those most in need.”
Masbate, placed under a state of calamity, remains isolated as roads and bridges are blocked. Power outages have affected hospitals, markets, and communications, leaving families vulnerable and in urgent need of food, water, shelter repair kits, and psychosocial support. In Mindoro, flooding wiped out crops, destroyed homes, and submerged rice fields, threatening food security for farming households.
ADRA’s Emergency Response Teams, trained and pre-positioned across the Philippines, were immediately activated. Working alongside local governments and ACS, ADRA is conducting rapid needs assessments, distributing food and WASH items, and preparing additional cash-based assistance for the most vulnerable.
