At least 12 dead, 36 injured as Tropical Storm Penha (Basyang) hits the Philippines
At least 12 people have died, and 36 were injured after Tropical Storm Penha (locally known as Basayang) made multiple landfalls over the Philippines on February 6, 2026, affecting over 700 000 people in the country.
Flooded roads left behind by Tropical Storm Penha in Northern Mindanao on February 9, 2026. Credit: NDRRMC
Tropical Storm Penha made its first landfall over Bayabas in Surigao del Sur at around 23:50 PHT (15:50 UTC) on February 5, followed by landfalls in Jagna and Dauis in Bohol, Alcoy in Cebu, and Ayungon in Negros Oriental on February 6.
At least 12 people were killed, and 36 were injured as the storm brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and landslides to multiple provinces.
At least nine fatalities were reported in Northern Mindanao, of which four were caused by a landslide in Cagayan de Oro, while five others died in Iligan, including three who died by drowning.
Meanwhile, two people drowned in Surigao del Sur, and another drowned in Carmen in Agusan del Norte. The severe impacts also prompted a State of Calamity for Iligan.
Up to 700 000 people were affected by the storm, according to local media reports. Over 28 000 villagers were displaced, with most evacuating to emergency shelters in southern and central provinces. Classes were suspended in many areas, the Office of Civil Defense said.
More than 7 400 passengers and cargo workers were stranded in 78 seaports after interisland passenger ferries and cargo ships were temporarily prohibited from venturing into rough seas, the Philippine Coast Guard said.
A total of 43 roads and 4 bridges were affected by the flooding and landslides across the affected regions; 503 houses were also damaged, of which 437 were partially damaged, and 66 were completely destroyed. Cleanup operations are still continuing in many areas as of February 9.
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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