‘Basyang’ death toll rises to 8 — OCD

In Iligan City, radio broadcaster Creselyn Baterna Velasco died of cardiac arrest after her apartment was flooded.

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OCD deputy spokesperson Diego Mariano said all the reported fatalities were still “for validation.”

“Basyang (Penha)” has weakened into a low-pressure area (LPA) while moving westward over the Sulu Sea, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Saturday, Feb. 7.

PAGASA weather specialist Leanne Loreto said the cyclone weakened at 2 a.m. due to unfavorable environmental conditions and after repeated interactions with land in Mindanao and the Visayas, which disrupted its structure.

As of 4 am., the center of the LPA was estimated at 105 kilometers southeast of Cuyo, Palawan, moving westward at 25 kilometers per hour.

No tropical cyclone wind signal is currently hoisted.

Loreto said Basyang made five landfalls: over Bayabas, Surigao del Sur at 11:50 p.m. on Feb. 5; Jagna, Bohol at 11 a.m. on Feb. 6; Dauis, Bohol at 4 p.m. the same day; Alcoy, Cebu at 7:50 p.m.; and Ayungon, Negros Oriental at 9 p.m.

PAGASA said the remnant low will move generally west-northwestward over the Sulu Sea and cross northern Palawan, but may dissipate as it moves over increasingly unfavorable conditions.

Despite the weakening, the weather bureau warned that the LPA will continue to bring heavy rains.

Severe effects in Region 13

Basyang affected 27,572 families or 100,375 persons in 189 barangays in Region 13 alone. The affected provinces include Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Butuan City, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.