Tropical Storm Basyang, which later weakened into a low-pressure area (LPA), left a wide footprint across Western Visayas, affecting more than 24,000 residents and forcing hundreds to flee their homes as rain-soaked communities grappled with flooding and damage, authorities said.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VI reported that as of 4pm on February 8, a total of 24,638 individuals, or 7,945 families, were affected in 15 local government units and 67 barangays, based on DROMIC Report No. 07.
DSWD said 18 families (43 people) are currently staying in two evacuation centers, while 116 families involving 375 individuals opted to take shelter outside formal facilities, mostly in the homes of relatives and friends.
Damage assessments so far confirmed that three houses were hit by the storm—one totally destroyed and two partially damaged—with validation still underway as field teams continue to assess the extent of losses.
Despite the disruption, the agency said it has already released P1.21 million worth of assistance to affected families.
Relief operations remain well-stocked, with P142.28 million in available resources in the region as of February 7, including P3 million in standby funds and P139.28 million worth of food and non-food items.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.