Severe tropical cyclone: 2 missing as Wipha exits the Philippines, lashes Vietnam 

Manila: At least two persons were reported missing due to flooding in dozens of areas brought by Severe Tropical Storm Wipha (local name: "Crising"), which is now en route to mainland Asia (Vietnam).

The storm dumped between 50 to over 100 mm of rain in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, swelling rivers and creeks.

The storm’s effects were widespread, with property, infrastructure, and agricultural impacts being assessed as the weather clears.

Beyond flooding, Wipha’s fury also caused dangerous road hazards: utility poles toppled, and billboards collapsed along major roads like C5 Katipunan-Ateneo, disrupting traffic and forcing lane closures while emergency teams rushed to assist affected motorists.

96,000+ affected 

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported late on Saturday that as Crising turned into a severe tropical storm, it affected a total of 96,791 individuals (37,598 families) across 417 barangays (villages).

There are 3,556 families (11,689 individuals) currently in evacuation centres, according to emergency workers.

The weather system intensified before leaving PAR, with maximum sustained winds of 100 km/h and gusts of up to 125 kph.

Crising exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on the morning of July 19, 2025.

Missing persons

Two people have been reported missing according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

As of the latest reports, no fatalities have been officially confirmed, though the storm has affected infrastructure.

Flooding

A total of 26 areas experienced flooding:

• 2 in Region 1

• 3 in MIMAROPA

• 2 in Region 6

• 19 in Region 7

In some affected locations, floodwaters were reported to be receding as of Saturday (July 19).

Dam operations

The Binga Dam in Benguet opened one gate to release excess water, underscoring the heavy rainfall associated with Crising.

Metro Manila and other areas

Parts of Metro Manila also experienced flooding due to Crising, mainly as a result of the southwest monsoon (Habagat) being enhanced by the storm.

Gutter-deep flooding submerged parts of Taft Avenue in Manila after heavy rains poured down from the southwest monsoon (Habagat), intensified by Severe Tropical Storm Wipha (locally named Crising).

Local channel News5 reported that the relentless downpour turned busy streets into watery pathways, stranding commuters and causing vehicles to slowly wade through the flooded roads.

Floodwaters reached critical levels in multiple areas, including parts of Quezon City where some residents had to resort to boats just to cross deep floodwaters. 

Several bridges, such as Malabon’s C4 Bridge, reached critical water levels, compounding the threat of flooding downstream.

Wipha’s powerful effects included widespread flooding of main thoroughfares like Padre Faura, España Boulevard, and Quirino Avenue.

The intense rainfall is also feeding the swollen Habagat. It also raises the ongoing risk of landslides and infrastructure damage due to saturated ground and strong winds. 

Despite these challenges, roads remained mostly passable, thanks to constant drainage efforts by public works crews and proactive flood inspections led by local officials.

Evolving situation

The situation is evolving and figures may change as disaster response teams continue their work.

For the most recent and region-specific updates, consult the official bulletins from local authorities and the NDRRMC.