CAGAYAN DE ORO. Rescue operations were actively conducted in Barangay Bugo, Cagayan de Oro, on February 6, 2026, as Tropical Storm Basyang unleashed its fury across the region. The storm's impact has led to a tragic increase in casualties and widespread displacement, according to official reports.
Rising Death Toll and Regional Impact
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has announced that the death toll from Tropical Storm Basyang has climbed to 12 individuals. As of 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, the OCD detailed that nine fatalities were recorded in Northern Mindanao, specifically in areas including Cagayan de Oro, Lanao del Norte, and Iligan City. Additionally, three deaths were reported in the Caraga region, with Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Norte being the affected provinces.
It is important to note that these reported deaths are still under validation by authorities, indicating that the numbers may be subject to change as rescue and assessment efforts continue.
Widespread Displacement and Damage
In a separate report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) provided alarming statistics on the storm's broader impact. Nearly 500,000 persons, equivalent to over 131,000 families, have been affected by Tropical Storm Basyang across the impacted regions.
Of this affected population, a significant portion sought refuge in evacuation centers. Specifically, 16,297 persons, or 5,818 families, were housed in these centers during the height of the storm's onslaught, highlighting the urgent need for shelter and humanitarian aid.
Economic and Infrastructure Losses
The NDRRMC also reported substantial economic and infrastructural damage. More than P8.3 million worth of assistance has already been provided to the affected communities, underscoring the scale of the disaster response. Furthermore, the storm caused damage to 445 houses, exacerbating the housing crisis and displacement issues in the region.
Rescue operations, such as those in Barangay Bugo, remain critical as authorities work to mitigate further losses and support recovery efforts in the wake of this devastating weather event.
