Church Aids Nearly 50,000 After Twin Typhoons in the Philippines

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is working alongside government agencies and private organizations to assist communities heavily affected by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) and Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong), which struck the Philippines only days apart in early November 2025.

The Church provided food, clean drinking water, utility services, and temporary shelters, among other basic and emergency needs, to nearly 50,000 individuals in the most affected regions.

Typhoon Tino, on November 5, 2025, brought intense rains and severe flooding to parts of the Visayas, Luzon, and Mindanao. The storm caused more than 230 fatalities, with over a hundred people still reported missing. Millions of residents were impacted, and initial assessments show extensive damage to homes, crops, and local infrastructure. Early estimates indicate agricultural losses in several provinces have already reached hundreds of millions of pesos.

On November 9, 2025, Super Typhoon Uwan made landfall in Luzon, adding further pressure on national and local responders. The storm affected large areas of Northern and Central Luzon, including Aurora, Isabela, Catanduanes, and Ifugao. Government and humanitarian reports confirm more than two dozen fatalities and over one million individuals displaced. Damage to agriculture and provincial infrastructure is estimated to be nearing one billion pesos.

Super Typhoon Uwan brought wind gusts exceeding 230 kph (150 mph), and several areas experienced what officials described as “almost a month’s worth of rain.” In response to the widespread destruction, the national government declared a state of calamity to accelerate relief and recovery efforts.

The Church also opened the doors of more than 240 meetinghouses to members and neighbors of other faiths seeking refuge from the storms or who had been displaced by major flooding. Latter-day Saints across the country contributed warm meals, clothing, bedding, and other essential items to support their communities.

Additional Church assistance included portable emergency lighting, hygiene and cooking supplies, and communication equipment for areas where utilities were disrupted. Many families remain unable to return home, and many communities continue to require assistance with clean-up efforts.

Local leaders activated established emergency response protocols, including the Bishopric Ordering System, which allows leaders to coordinate with local businesses to secure basic and emergency supplies for ward and branch members.

All missionaries serving in the Philippines have been accounted for, and damage to Church meetinghouses remains minimal. All temples remain operational. Relief efforts continue as aid is distributed and recovery measures progress in affected areas.

Latter-day Saints requiring support are encouraged to contact their local bishop or branch president.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has long provided humanitarian assistance worldwide in response to natural disasters, civil unrest, and other crises. This support encompasses both immediate relief, including food, water, clothing, and medical supplies, as well as long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.