Pagasa Officially Retires Seven Domestic Tropical Cyclone Names Following Catastrophic 2025 Season
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) made a significant announcement on Thursday, March 19, 2026, confirming the decommissioning of seven domestic tropical cyclone names from its regular roster. This decision stems from the severe impact these storms had during the 2025 season, meeting strict criteria for removal based on official damage assessments.
Names Removed and Their Replacements
Pagasa has permanently removed the names Crising, Emong, Mirasol, Nando, Opong, Tino, and Uwan from its list of domestic tropical cyclones. These names will be replaced with new ones—Chico, Elias, Magyawan, Nilad, Omar, Tala, and Upang—which are scheduled to take effect starting in 2029. This rotation is part of Pagasa's standard protocol to retire names associated with particularly destructive weather events.
Criteria for Decommissioning Explained
In a detailed statement, Pagasa outlined the specific conditions that trigger the decommissioning of a tropical cyclone name. According to the agency, a name is retired if its associated storm results in either the deaths of at least 300 individuals or causes damage to agriculture, infrastructure, and other assets totaling at least P1 billion. These figures must be based on official reports from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), ensuring accuracy and accountability in the assessment process.
Devastating Impact of the 2025 Cyclones
Pagasa emphasized that the seven tropical cyclones, which struck the Philippines in 2025, met the decommissioning criteria due to the exceptional magnitude and extensive devastation they inflicted. The agency cited data from the OCD, which reported that these weather disturbances collectively led to 373 fatalities, 680 injuries, and 132 missing individuals. Moreover, the combined cost of damage from these storms exceeded P36 billion, highlighting the severe economic and human toll.
The decision to retire these names underscores the lasting impact of natural disasters in the region and serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of increasingly intense weather patterns. Pagasa's move aims to honor the victims and communities affected while maintaining a systematic approach to naming future cyclones.
