By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — More than 6,000 residents were displaced across the Caraga Region after Tropical Depression Basyang battered parts of eastern Mindanao, forcing mass evacuations and disrupting air and sea travel, disaster officials said Friday.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported that Basyang made landfall in Bayabas, Surigao del Sur, at around 11:50 p.m. Thursday, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall to several provinces in Caraga. As of 5 a.m. Friday, the storm was in the vicinity of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 90 kph.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 remained hoisted over the Dinagat Islands and the northern portions of Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Agusan del Sur, with authorities warning of possible flooding, landslides, and dangerous sea conditions, particularly in coastal and low-lying communities.
Data from the Office of Civil Defense–Caraga (OCD-13) showed that 1,811 families, or 6,152 individuals, were affected in the region as of 4 p.m. Thursday. Of these, 1,710 families (5,884 individuals) were staying in 37 designated evacuation centers, while 101 families (268 individuals) sought shelter with relatives or in temporary locations.
Local government units (LGUs) implemented preemptive and forced evacuations in flood- and landslide-prone areas as rivers swelled due to continuous rainfall. Several municipalities also suspended classes and government work as a precautionary measure.
The storm caused major transport disruptions. Authorities reported that 14 flights, particularly at Sayak Airport in Siargao Island, were grounded. Sea travel was suspended in Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and the Dinagat Islands, stranding 153 rolling cargoes and 390 passengers across seven seaports.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in coordination with local disaster offices, reported that P246,585 worth of assistance had been released, including 337 family food packs and 37 ready-to-eat meals, for affected families.
Despite the weakening of Basyang, authorities warned that intermittent rains could persist due to prevailing weather systems. Disaster response teams remain on standby as clearing operations and damage assessments continue across the region.
A bridge in Purok 6A, Cortes, Surigao del Sur, has become impassable to all vehicles after sustaining heavy damage from the storm.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) of Cortes, chaired by Vice Mayor Cherry B. Daraman, convened to discuss urgent disaster response measures. The meeting focused on the LGU situation update, deployment of Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDANA) teams, management of casualties, clearing operations, and coordination of donations.
Three houses were partially damaged in Butuan City, one in Barangay Taligaman and two in Barangay De Oro, according to the City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWDD). The City Housing and Homesite Development Department (CHDDD) reported that a mango tree fell on the Taligaman house, while the De Oro homes were damaged by a landslide and falling trees. No injuries were reported.
The Coast Guard Sub-Station Surigao City, led by Ensign Billy Joe R. Pino under the supervision of the Station Commander of Coast Guard Station Surigao del Norte, conducted rescue operations on Friday, February 6.
Several residents from Barangays San Roque, Togbongon, and Luna in Surigao City affected by flooding were rescued in coordination with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the Coast Guard Special Operations Group – Northeastern Mindanao.
###
