When Typhoon Kalmaegi hit the central Philippines, it didn’t just destroy homes. It left behind something harder to see. Residents described being “shellshocked.” Some said they couldn’t sleep. Others talked about the fear of what might come next, because this was the fourth major typhoon to hit the country in just seven weeks. About 188 people lost their lives in the Philippines from that one storm. Another 135 were still missing after the winds died down.
If you live in the Philippines, you already know storms are part of life. But what the research and news reports are showing is that these storms are hitting harder and closer together. And that takes a toll on something we don’t always talk about — how we feel inside. Let me share what I found about how typhoons and disasters affect mental health here, based on what actually happened during recent storms.
What happens to people when disasters keep coming
When I say psychological distress, I mean the emotional and mental strain that shows up as trouble sleeping, constant worrying, feeling numb, or being easily startled. That’s what residents described after Kalmaegi and Fung-wong. People talked about not being able to sleep because the sound of wind hitting metal sheets and tree branches falling wouldn’t leave their minds. That kind of alertness is useful during a storm, but when it stays for weeks or months, it wears a person down.
Where the research gets mixed and what people get wrong
One thing that surprised me is that not everyone reacts the same way to the same disaster. Some people go through a terrible storm and come out feeling okay. Others are deeply affected even if their home was not damaged. Researchers don’t fully agree on why that is yet, but a few things stand out from what happened here.
For example, a person who lost a loved one — like Jimmy Abatayo from Cebu, who lost his wife and nine close relatives — may carry grief and guilt that is very different from someone who only lost property. But even people who survived without losses described feeling “shellshocked.” That tells us the experience itself is enough to affect mental health, even without personal tragedy.
Another thing that gets misunderstood is the idea that “Filipinos are resilient, so they’ll be fine.” Resilience is real, but it’s not a shield. People can be strong and still struggle inside. A “bahala na” attitude may help someone get through a crisis, but it doesn’t erase the mental strain that follows.
Let me also show you how the two recent typhoons compared in their human impact. This gives a clearer picture of what different communities went through.
→ Scroll right to see all columns
| Impact | Typhoon Kalmaegi (Nov 2025) | Typhoon Fung-wong (Nov 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Deaths reported | At least 188 | At least 4 |
| People evacuated | More than 500,000 (in Vietnam alone) | About 1.4 million |
| Damage type | Entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble, catastrophic flooding | Floods, landslides, storm surges, 1,000 houses damaged |
| Power outage | Millions left without power | About 3 million without power |
| Psychological reports | Residents “shellshocked,” overwhelming grief, children in shelters | Inability to sleep, worry, traumatic experiences from repeated disasters |
Things that catch people off guard
The quiet toll on children
Children were among those taking shelter in schools turned evacuation centers. The research reports that affected residents including children were in classrooms turned shelters. Kids may not have the words to say they’re scared, but they show it through changes in behavior — clinginess, trouble sleeping, or acting out. Parents I read about said they noticed their children becoming quiet or withdrawn after the storms.
The second hit of disrupted recovery
When Fung-wong hit, recovery efforts from Kalmaegi in Cebu and Davao were put on pause. Resources had to be moved to the new disaster. That means people who were already struggling suddenly had to wait longer for help. A stress that doesn’t get a break can build into something heavier over time.
The corruption factor adds another layer
The sources mention a massive corruption scandal involving flood control projects in the Philippines. When people know that money meant to protect them was stolen, it creates a different kind of distress — anger, helplessness, and a feeling that the system won’t help when the next storm comes. That’s not a clinical problem, but it is a real source of emotional strain.
Early warnings don’t always reach people
Officials noted a lack of understanding of early warnings as a problem. Even when information is available, it might not be clear, or people may not know what to do with it. That confusion adds stress and can make the aftermath worse. The Office of Civil Defense called for better drainage systems and infrastructure to match the stronger storms scientists say are coming.
What you can actually do with this
Notice how you’re feeling after a disaster — and name it
Research found that people who can put words to what they’re feeling tend to cope better over time. If you notice you’re irritable, can’t sleep, or feel like you’re on edge, that’s not weakness — it’s a normal response to an abnormal situation. Writing it down or telling someone you trust can help. And if it lasts beyond a few weeks, a mental health professional in the Philippines is someone to consider talking to.
Know that kids need extra attention after storms
Children process trauma differently. They may not say they’re scared, but they might act out, have nightmares, or cling to parents. Research found that creating a calm routine — even in a shelter — helped some children feel safer. Letting them draw, talk, or play can help them release what they’re holding inside. If their behavior changes sharply or doesn’t improve, a school counselor or child psychologist can help.
Pay attention to the people around you who seem “fine”
The strongest-looking person in your family might be struggling the most. Some people cope by staying busy — cleaning up debris, helping neighbors, cooking for the evacuation center. But that busyness can mask real distress. A simple “kumusta ka?” with real listening can go a long way. If someone seems withdrawn or unusually quiet after a disaster, checking in can make a difference. The generational patterns of keeping quiet about emotional struggles are real, but they don’t have to continue.
Know where to find support when you need it
If you or someone you know needs to talk to a professional, there are resources in the Philippines. The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) has a crisis hotline. Many local government units also offer free or low-cost counseling after disasters. You don’t need to wait until things get really bad. Even a single conversation with someone trained can help you process what happened.
Frequently asked questions about disaster mental health
Is it normal to feel anxious weeks after a typhoon? ▾
How many typhoons hit the Philippines in 2025 so far? ▾
Can children be affected even if they weren’t hurt? ▾
What is the biggest thing that makes disaster distress worse? ▾
Is there free mental health support in the Philippines after disasters? ▾
Does everyone who goes through a typhoon need therapy? ▾
Closing
Typhoons are part of life in the Philippines, but they don’t have to break us inside. What I learned from the reports on Kalmaegi and Fung-wong is that the emotional impact is real, and it’s okay to admit when you’re struggling. Pay attention to how you and your family feel after the winds stop. And if something feels off, don’t wait too long to ask for help. If this was useful, you might also want to read this article about burnout in the Philippines.
Sources
Why “Bahala Na” Can Be Toxic for Your Mental Health — Explains how this common Filipino attitude affects how we cope with difficult situations, including disasters.
Filipino Stress Can Lead to Upsetting Emotions — A closer look at how stress builds up and what it looks like in daily life.
Philippines evacuates 1.4 million as Typhoon Fung-wong hits. CNN International, 2025.
Typhoon Kalmaegi leaves trail of death and devastation in Philippines. CNN International, 2025.
