TC Basyang affects over 24,000 in Western Visayas

By Mariela Angella Oladive

More than 24,000 individuals were affected by Tropical Cyclone Basyang in Western Visayas, according to the latest report from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VI.

Based on DROMIC Report No. 07 as of 4 p.m. on Feb. 8, a total of 24,638 individuals, or 7,945 families, were affected across 15 local government units and 67 barangays in the region.

DSWD data showed that 18 families, or 43 people, are staying in two evacuation centers.

Meanwhile, 116 families, or 375 people, are temporarily sheltering outside evacuation centers, mostly with relatives or friends.

Initial assessments also recorded damage to residential structures, with one house reported totally damaged and two houses partially damaged.

The DSWD said validation and assessment of damages remain ongoing.

The agency reported that PHP 1,214,725.18 in assistance has already been provided to affected families.

As of Feb. 7, available relief resources in Western Visayas totaled PHP 142,279,382.11, including PHP 3 million in standby funds and PHP 139.28 million worth of food and nonfood items.

DSWD said coordination with local government units and partner agencies continues as response operations remain in effect.

Tropical Storm Basyang, internationally named Penha, made its first landfall in Bayabas, Surigao del Sur, at 11:50 p.m. on Feb. 5, bringing torrential rains and strong winds.

By Feb. 6, the weather disturbance weakened into a tropical depression and made its fourth and fifth landfalls in Cebu and Negros Oriental, respectively.

At about 1 a.m. on Feb. 7, Basyang was in the vicinity of Cauayan, Negros Occidental, triggering light to moderate rains with occasional heavy downpours across Western Visayas.