Tropical Depression Basyang Claims 12 Lives, Affects Hundreds of Thousands
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has announced that the death toll from Tropical Depression Basyang has increased to 12, as of Saturday evening, February 7, 2026. The agency reported that nine fatalities occurred in Northern Mindanao, specifically in Cagayan de Oro, Lanao del Norte, and Iligan City, while three were recorded in the Caraga region, particularly in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Norte. The OCD emphasized that these reported deaths remain under validation, pending further investigation and confirmation.
Widespread Impact and Government Response
In a separate update, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) revealed that nearly 500,000 individuals, or over 131,000 families, have been affected by the weather disturbance. The council noted that at least 445 houses sustained damage due to the storm's onslaught. Among the affected population, 16,297 persons, equivalent to 5,818 families, sought refuge in evacuation centers during the height of Basyang. The NDRRMC has provided more than P8.3 million worth of assistance to those impacted, including food, shelter, and other essential supplies.
Lapu-Lapu City Flooding Sparks Public Outcry and Official Clarifications
Following the heavy rains brought by Basyang, netizens have expressed renewed concerns over persistent flooding in a portion of Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City. This issue has surfaced despite ongoing flood control and infrastructure projects in the area, raising questions about their effectiveness and implementation.
Unfinished Retention Pond Project Under Scrutiny
Lone District Representative Junard "Ahong" Chan acknowledged that the retention pond project, intended to mitigate flooding in Basak, remains incomplete. He clarified that the project, launched in December 2025, still lacks a pumping station and water pipeline, which are critical components for its proper function. A video posted on Facebook by resident Tiffany Ann Real on Friday, February 6, showed several areas of Basak, including S. Osmeña Street, Maximo Patalinhug, and locations across The Outlets, submerged in floodwaters. This footage triggered widespread online discussion and criticism, with many netizens questioning whether the flooding problem has truly been addressed.
In a phone interview with SunStar Cebu, Real confirmed that the flooding occurred on Friday afternoon and gradually subsided by around 7 p.m. after motor pumps were deployed to drain the water. The area has long been identified as flood-prone, and the recent incident has reignited public skepticism over claims of resolution.
Public Concerns and Project Details
In the comment section of Real's post, netizens raised various issues:
- Some questioned the effectiveness of ongoing interventions, noting the area's proximity to the sea.
- Others remarked that flooding is only considered "solved" when there is no rain, highlighting deeper implementation problems.
- Concerns were also voiced about proper planning, budget allocation, and the efficient, transparent use of public funds.
Representative Chan, in a separate phone interview, explained that the retention pond currently serves only as a temporary water holder because it is located at the lowest point of Basak. He stated in Cebuano, "Naturally, flooding occurs because the project is not yet finished. It still needs a pumping station and a water pipeline... If the pond fills up and there is no pumping station, the water has nowhere to go but back to the roads."
Key Features of the Ongoing Project
Chan provided details on the project's components:
- The contractor has ordered a specialized, high-capacity pump designed to handle debris like plastic bags without clogging.
- The pumping station will require three-phase electricity and a hybrid power system with solar energy to ensure operation during brownouts, especially in storms.
- A durable water pipeline, similar to those used by water districts, will be installed to prevent leaks or damage.
Chan urged the public to withhold judgment until the project is fully completed, emphasizing that the current flooding is a result of its unfinished state. The situation underscores the challenges in disaster response and infrastructure development in flood-prone areas of the Philippines.
