Tropical Storm Penha leaves 8 dead and 645 612 affected after crossing southern-central Philippines

Tropical Storm Penha, locally named Basyang, entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on February 3 and made multiple landfalls across Mindanao and the Visayas between February 5 and 6 before weakening into a low-pressure area on February 7.

Despite its weakening, the system’s broad circulation, combined with a shear line, prolonged moderate to heavy rainfall over southern and central Philippines.

At least eight fatalities were reported in Northern Mindanao and Caraga, including four members of a family killed in a landslide in Cagayan de Oro City. Additional deaths were reported in Iligan City and Agusan del Norte. Casualties were primarily linked to rain-induced landslides and flooding.

NDRRMC reported that 645 612 people across six regions were affected as of February 10. More than 86 000 individuals were displaced, with almost 60 000 accommodated in 438 evacuation centres. The remainder sought shelter with relatives or in alternative facilities.

Earlier reports on February 7 indicated that 16 528 families had been moved to 480 evacuation centres in Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, and Caraga as flooding intensified following successive landfalls.

Flooding and landslides were reported in parts of Northern Mindanao and the Visayas, inundating residential areas and damaging infrastructure. Several roads became impassable due to floodwaters and debris, complicating relief operations.

Transport operations were disrupted as weather conditions deteriorated. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reported that 32 flights were cancelled beginning February 6, affecting 7 737 passengers. Maritime operations were also suspended in several ports due to rough seas.

Although Penha weakened after its final landfall, rainfall persisted as a shear line enhanced moisture convergence over central and southern Philippines. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecast cloudy skies with moderate to heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms over most of the central and southern Philippines for the next 48 hours, beginning February 10, warning of possible flooding and landslides in susceptible areas.

Damage assessments and relief distribution operations are ongoing as local government units continue to manage evacuation centres and monitor river systems and landslide-prone terrain.

References:

¹ Philippines – Tropical depression PENHA, update – ECHO – February 10, 2026

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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