OCD: 'Basyang' kills 12; cleanup, damage checks underway
Published Feb 8, 2026 08:09 am
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Updated Feb 8, 2026 01:45 pm
PEOPLE flee flooding triggered by Tropical Cyclone 'Basyang' in Iiligan City. (FB)
The death toll from Tropical Cyclone “Basyang” climbed to 12 on Sunday, Feb. 8, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) disclosed, as floodwaters began to recede, paving the way for clearing operations and damage assessments in affected areas.
Most of the fatalities were reported in Northern Mindanao (Region 10) with nine.
A victim previously listed missing in a landslide was eventually found dead while one additional death in the region was being verified.
Earlier, the OCD said a family of four was buried in a landslide in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental while three other fatalities were recorded in Iligan City.
Meanwhile, three people perished in Caraga (Region 13): two victims drowned in Surigao del Sur while one person also drowned in Agusan del Norte.
OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo stated that the figures were undergoing a rigorous validation process.
"These are all for verification and validation by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Cluster for the Dead and Missing,” he noted.
The flooding that submerged dozens of villages has started to ease. In Caraga and Northern Mindanao, 30 flooded barangays reported that waters have already subsided.
“In Caraga and Northern Mindanao, there are reportedly no more flooded areas. Most of the areas earlier reported as flooded have already subsided since yesterday,” Castillo said.
He added that teams are now conducting clearing operations and rapid damage and needs assessment to determine the extent of damage left by Basyang.
467K affected
Meanwhile, the storm has affected 131,961 families or 467,242 persons across 850 barangays in Western Visayas (Region 6), Negros Island Region (NIR), Central Visayas (Region 7), Eastern Visayas (Region i), Davao (Region 11), and Caraga.
Displacement remained high with 5,818 families or 16,297 individuals staying in 337 evacuation centers. Another 7,167 families or 25,822 individuals were receiving aid outside of the temporary shelters.
Effects
Basyang also left 445 houses damaged in Caraga. Out of these, 38 were totally destroyed while 407 were partially damaged.
Power supply has been restored to nine out of 15 affected municipalities in Caraga.
On the other hand, transportation remains hampered in specific areas as five road sections and two bridges in Caraga were still not passable.
In the maritime sector, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said all seaports were already operational and there were no more stranded passengers or vessels.
Relief ops
The government has provided P8.3 million in assistance to affected communities in Western Visayas, NIR, Caraga, and Davao.
“In terms of food and non-food items, these needs have been addressed because both national government agencies and local government units had prepositioned supplies, especially from the Department of Social Welfare and Development,” Castillo said.
He confirmed that there are currently no additional requests for augmentation from local government units.
Meanwhile, the OCD advised displaced residents to remain patient before returning home.
“To our fellow citizens in affected areas, if you have evacuated, please wait for an advisory from your local government on when it is safe to return to your communities,” Castillo said.
He assured those staying in evacuation centers that government agencies are “on standby to address your needs.”
Citizens wishing to help are encouraged to coordinate through the OCD or local government units to ensure proper distribution of aid.