Philippines typhoon guide¶

The Philippines is hit by typhoons and tropical storms often. PAGASA, the national weather service, issues Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals numbered 1 to 5 for places in the path of a storm. The Department of the Interior and Local Government runs Unified 911, a single free emergency number for police, fire, medical, and disaster response. Follow PAGASA bulletins and your local government for what to do. The Philippines is on this one page.

Checked on October 9, 2026

Every phone number and web address on this page was checked against official sources on that date. Details can change, especially during a storm. Always follow instructions from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) for weather warnings, and the national emergency hotline 911. In a life threatening emergency, call 911.

What to know in Philippines¶

PAGASA says the wind signal system has five levels. Signal 1 means winds of 39 to 61 km/h are expected within 36 hours. Signal 2 means 62 to 88 km/h within 24 hours. Signal 3 means 89 to 117 km/h within 18 hours. Signal 4 means 118 to 184 km/h within 12 hours. Signal 5 means 185 km/h or higher within 12 hours.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government says Unified 911, launched on September 11, 2025, is free, runs 24 hours a day, and replaces more than 30 local emergency numbers. It says calls can be made in Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Waray, Tausug, and other Philippine languages.

Emergency and information numbers¶

Service	Number	Notes
Emergency	911	Unified 911 for police, fire, medical, and disaster response, as the Department of the Interior and Local Government describes it. Free and answered around the clock. Call only when someone's life or property is in danger.
NDRRMC	+63-2-8911-1406	A Department of the Interior and Local Government notice lists this line for emergencies and writes it 89111406, with 911 and local rescue numbers.
PAGASA trunk line	+63-2-8284-0800	National weather service main line, Quezon City. Office line. Not for emergencies.
Philippine Red Cross emergency hotline	143	Emergency hotline as the Philippine Red Cross lists it.
Philippine Red Cross trunkline	+63-2-8790-2300	Office line, Mandaluyong City. Not for emergencies.
DSWD	+63-2-8931-8101	Office line, as DSWD lists it (8-931-81-01 to 07). DSWD also lists mobile numbers on its contact page.

Official alerts and information¶

PAGASA Severe Weather Bulletin: PAGASA's bulletin for typhoons and tropical storms. Check the issue time on each one. Website.

National resources¶

PAGASA: Weather forecasts, tropical cyclone information, and severe wind forecasts. Website.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (PAGASA): What each wind signal level means, with expected wind speeds, warning lead times, and likely damage. Website.
Philippine Red Cross: National Red Cross society, with its emergency hotline and volunteer programs. Website.

For state agencies across the country, see the official sources page.

Radio, TV and weather¶

Keep a battery or hand crank radio. When power and cell service fail, radio is often the only way to hear official updates.

Official forecasts¶

PAGASA: The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, the national weather service. Typhoon names, tracks, and wind signals are on its site. Phone: +63-2-8284-0800. Website.

Power, water and debris¶

Meralco: Residential hotline, which Meralco writes (02) 16211. Meralco lists 16210 for business concerns. Phone: 16211. Website.

After the storm: help for displaced residents¶

If your home is damaged or you cannot go back, these organizations help with shelter, food, money, and paperwork. Many programs open only after a disaster declaration, so check their pages for current status.

Money, work and insurance¶

DSWD: Government social welfare agency. Its contact page lists office and mobile numbers. Phone: +63-2-8931-8101. Website.

Sources¶

Checked on October 9, 2026. If a number or address here is wrong, please tell us at Keith@KMyers.me.