TS Basyang leaves Caraga reeling: 101,000 displaced, ₱12.6B in damages to livelihoods and infrastructure

BUTUAN CITY (February 10) — Tropical Storm Basyang has wreaked havoc across Caraga, leaving more than 101,000 residents displaced, damaging critical infrastructure, and wiping out millions in livelihoods, particularly in the fisheries sector.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Surigao del Sur declared the entire province under a state of calamity on Monday after the storm’s onslaught. According to Resolution 762-26, Basyang affected 52.44% of the provincial population—336,671 people from 249 barangays across 19 municipalities. About 30% of those affected—101,324 individuals—were forced to evacuate to shelters or stay with relatives.

Governor Johnny Pimentel welcomed the declaration, saying it will fast-track relief and rehabilitation efforts. “We continue to work closely with all agencies to ensure immediate assistance reaches those who need it most,” he said.

Floods, landslides, and blocked roads

The provincial board reported that fast-rising floods and strong currents caused landslides and soil erosion, blocking roads critical for commuters and commercial vehicles. The worst-hit towns include Cantilan, Madrid, Lanuza, Cortes, Tandag City, Tago, San Miguel, and Bayabas.

Basyang also claimed lives: a 10-year-old child buried in a landslide in Cortes, and a 53-year-old woman swept away by a flood surge in Carmen.

Fisheries sector hit hardest

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-13) reported ₱11.2 million in damages to the region’s fishery sector:

• Production losses: ₱9.9 million, affecting 81.46 metric tons of fish and 140 fisherfolk.
• Equipment damages: ₱1.06 million, including 466 fiberglass boats, nets, and solar lights, impacting 279 fisherfolk.
• Facility damages: 21 structures owned by 39 fisherfolk groups, mostly dry docks, salt beds in Lingig, and post-harvest facilities in Cantilan, totaling ₱170,000.

BFAR-13 said it is coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to monitor affected fisherfolk and assess rehabilitation needs.

Economic toll and infrastructure losses

Combined with damages to homes, roads, tourism, and agriculture, Surigao del Sur alone sustained ₱1.4 billion in losses. Across the region, including fisheries, the total economic impact from Basyang reaches approximately ₱12.6 billion, authorities estimate.

Climate resilience and preparedness

Officials say the scale of Basyang’s destruction highlights Caraga’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.

“Fisherfolk, farmers, and coastal communities are losing not just income but the infrastructure that supports their work,” said a BFAR-13 official. “Investing in climate-resilient facilities, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness is no longer optional—it’s essential for survival.”

Local authorities are urging residents to secure boats, nets, and other equipment, and for communities to strengthen evacuation plans, reinforce shelters, and coordinate with LGUs ahead of future storms.

A long road to recovery

For Caraga’s coastal and upland communities, recovery will not be immediate. Families displaced by flooding, landslides, and damaged homes face weeks or months of rebuilding, while fisherfolk wait for assistance to repair boats and restore livelihoods.

Officials warn that without swift relief, rehabilitation, and climate-proofing of critical infrastructure, storms like Basyang will continue to have devastating social and economic consequences for Caraga’s most vulnerable populations.