Tropical Depression Basyang Unleashes Heavy Rains and Flash Floods in Southern Cebu
On Friday, February 6, 2026, at around 2:00 PM, intense rainfall began to sweep across Southern Cebu, including Barangay Mantalongon in the City of Dalaguete, as Tropical Depression Basyang persisted over the Visayas region. This severe weather system, known locally as Basyang and internationally as Penha, brought prolonged downpours, moderate winds, and large waves as it moved northwestward through the Cebu Strait toward Negros Oriental.
Weather Warnings and Immediate Impacts
Officials from PAGASA placed multiple areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 and No. 2 due to the storm's effects. As the rain continued into the night of February 6, a river adjacent to the home of Romulo Jabagat, 67, and his wife Luzviminda, 69, overflowed. This led to a sudden flash flood that inundated their house, forcing the couple to evacuate to higher ground for their safety.
Recovery Efforts Amidst Personal Milestones
The following day, on Saturday, February 7, which coincided with Romulo's birthday, the couple spent their time not in celebration but in cleaning their home and repairing their bamboo bridge to recover from the flood's aftermath. This disruption highlights the personal toll of natural disasters on local communities.
Agricultural Damage and Economic Consequences
The floodwaters also destroyed nearby farmlands, severely damaging crops such as cabbage, tomatoes, onions, and chayote that local farmers rely on for income and sustenance. This agricultural impact underscores the broader economic challenges faced by residents in the wake of such weather events.
Reported by Juan Carlo de Vela, this account details the ongoing struggles and resilience of Southern Cebu communities as they cope with the effects of Tropical Depression Basyang.
