BUTUAN CITY (February 4) – Local government units (LGUs) and disaster response agencies across the Caraga Region have ramped up preparedness measures as Tropical Depression (TD) Basyang threatens to bring rough seas, strong winds, and possible flooding to eastern Mindanao.
As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Basyang was located 735 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph with gusts of up to 70 kph, and moving southwestward.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 has been raised over Surigao del Sur and the eastern portion of Surigao del Norte, including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands, prompting authorities to suspend sea travel and outdoor activities.
The Philippine Coast Guard Station (CGS) Surigao del Sur ordered the total suspension of vessel movement in the province, citing hazardous sea conditions. Travel of all vessels from mainland Surigao del Norte to areas under TCWS No. 1 was also temporarily halted, affecting fisherfolk and inter-island commuters.
In Carrascal, Surigao del Sur, Mayor Joseph Urgel ordered the activation of the town’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to serve as the central hub for coordination and rapid response.
“The EOC shall ensure swift, unified, and effective action of all concerned offices and response teams,” the mayor said in his directive.
Preventive class suspensions were also enforced across the region. The cities of Tandag and Bislig suspended classes and beach-related activities as early as Tuesday, while General Luna, Siargao ordered the suspension of classes at all levels, both public and private, on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, regional and local disaster risk reduction councils in Caraga convened an online meeting Tuesday afternoon to align contingency plans, including pre-emptive evacuations, resource mobilization, and monitoring of coastal and flood-prone communities.
Authorities urged residents, especially fisherfolk and coastal communities, to heed advisories as Basyang may intensify and bring heavy rains, gusty winds, and dangerous seas over the next 24 to 48 hours.
