Tropical Depression Basyang Unleashes Heavy Rains and Flooding Across Southern Cebu
On Friday, February 6, 2026, tropical depression Basyang, known internationally as Penha, brought severe weather conditions to the Visayas region, particularly affecting Southern Cebu. By approximately 2 p.m., intense rainfall began drenching areas including Barangay Mantalongon in Dalaguete, as the weather system lingered over the region. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) had issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals No. 1 and No. 2 for dozens of localities due to the storm's potential impacts, which included prolonged precipitation, moderate winds, and rough seas as it moved northwestward through the Cebu Strait toward Negros Oriental.
Flash Flooding Forces Evacuations and Disrupts Lives
The continuous downpour into the evening and night of February 6 led to dangerous flash flooding in vulnerable communities. In Barangay Mantalongon, the river adjacent to the home of Romulo Jabagat, 67, and his wife Luzviminda, 69, overflowed, sending floodwaters rushing into their residence. The couple was compelled to evacuate to higher ground for their safety, abandoning their property to the rising waters.
Instead of celebrating Romulo's birthday on Saturday, February 7, the Jabagats spent the day engaged in recovery efforts, cleaning their flood-damaged home and repairing their bamboo bridge. The flooding not only impacted households but also devastated local agriculture, destroying a nearby farm and damaging essential crops such as cabbage, tomatoes, onions, and chayote. These crops are critical for both income and food security for farmers in the area, highlighting the economic toll of the natural disaster.
Widespread Impacts Across Cebu Province and Beyond
Across Cebu Province, the heavy rainfall prompted significant emergency responses. Authorities evacuated over 1,500 individuals from flood-prone towns and barangays as a precautionary measure. Additionally, work and classes were suspended in several municipalities in anticipation of the worst rainfall, aiming to minimize risks to residents and students.
Basyang's effects were not confined to Cebu; the tropical depression had already caused substantial damage in other parts of the Philippines before weakening. It made multiple landfalls, including in Surigao del Sur and Bohol, leading to landslides, flooding, and displacement in areas of Mindanao and Northern Mindanao. In Cagayan de Oro City, rainfall-induced landslides and flash floods resulted in infrastructure damage and displaced thousands of residents, exacerbating the storm's overall impact on communities.
Storm Weakens but Rainbands Persist
By the early morning of February 7, Pagasa reported that Basyang had weakened into a low-pressure area and was moving westward over the Sulu Sea. Despite this downgrade, heavy rainbands and showers continued to affect portions of the Visayas and nearby regions, indicating that the threat of further flooding and disruptions remained. The persistence of adverse weather conditions underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness in affected areas as recovery efforts begin.
