Surigao Sur under ‘state of calamity’ after Storm Basyang’s destructive onslaught
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The provincial government of Surigao del Sur declared a state of calamity on February 9, after Tropical Storm Basyang made landfall in Bayabas town on February 5, causing widespread flooding and landslides that affected communities, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
In Bayabas, five houses were reportedly washed away by floodwaters. However, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Chief Geralyn Guibao confirmed that no casualties were recorded in the town.
Initial damage assessments placed infrastructure losses at approximately P801.4 million and crop losses at over P575 million. Other affected assets were estimated at around P1.09 million, reflecting the storm’s significant impact on both public facilities and local livelihoods.
On February 9, the Surigao–Davao Coastal Road in Barangay Nurcia, Lanuza, remained impassable to all types of vehicles due to a major landslide. Clearing operations are ongoing, led by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in coordination with the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur. Meanwhile, other landslide-affected road sections in the province have already been cleared through joint efforts of the DPWH, the provincial government, and the private sector.
As of 8:00 a.m. on February 10, the DPWH declared one lane passable to light vehicles along the Lanuza–Cortes road section.
In Cortes town, aerial damage assessments identified Barangay Poblacion as the ground zero of Basyang’s impact. Twenty-two houses were totally damaged, while 58 houses were partially damaged, affecting 80 households. Due to the extent of destruction, authorities noted the urgent need for construction materials to help affected families rebuild and restore safe, livable conditions.
Based on the initial consolidated situation report, Basyang affected two cities and 17 municipalities, impacting 244 barangays. A total of 73,682 families were affected, with 28,558 families or 101,324 individuals temporarily sheltered in 468 evacuation centers across the province.
Authorities also confirmed three casualties from the storm: one injured and two fatalities in Surigao del Sur. One fatality involved a 10-year-old in Cortes due to a landslide, while another death was recorded in Carmen. Housing damage across affected areas in the province reached 37 houses totally damaged and 398 houses partially damaged, with estimated housing losses amounting to P1.83 million.
To address the widespread impact of Tropical Storm Basyang, Provincial Administrator John Vincent C. Pimentel said that the 21st Sangguniang Panlalawigan, in a Special Session presided over by Vice Governor Manuel Alameda on Monday, February 9, approved the declaration of a State of Calamity in Surigao del Sur. The declaration enables the provincial government to mobilize emergency funds and expedite response and rehabilitation efforts.
Government agencies continue relief distribution, damage validation, and rehabilitation planning as national and local authorities work together to ensure public safety, restore access roads, and support affected families in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Basyang. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
