NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Signal No. 2 Up As Basyang Picks Up Speed Near Eastern Mindanao
Photo credit: DOST_ Pagasa
Tropical Storm Basyang is wasting no time. PAGASA said the storm has continued to accelerate as it moves closer to Eastern Mindanao, prompting the hoisting of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 in several areas across the Visayas and Mindanao.
As of 10 a.m. Thursday, the center of Basyang was located about 295 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. It is packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 80 kph, and is moving westward at a brisk 25 kph. Strong to gale-force winds are already spreading as far as 300 kilometers from the center.
Because of this, Signal No. 2 — which warns of possible gale-force winds within 24 hours — is now in effect over Siquijor, parts of Negros Oriental, southern Cebu, and southern Bohol in the Visayas. In Mindanao, the signal covers Surigao del Norte including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands, Surigao del Sur, parts of Davao Oriental, Agusan del Norte and Sur, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, and nearby provinces. These areas face a minor to moderate threat to life and property as stronger winds move in.
Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 has been raised over a wider area, including Cuyo and Cagayancillo Islands, large portions of the Visayas, and much of Mindanao. Residents in these areas can expect strong winds within the next 36 hours, with possible minimal to minor impacts.
Aside from damaging winds, heavy rainfall remains a major concern. PAGASA warned that Basyang, together with the shear line, could bring intense downpours that may trigger flooding and landslides, especially in low-lying and mountainous communities.
Coastal areas are also being told to stay on high alert. A storm surge of up to two meters is possible within the next 48 hours in several coastal provinces, including parts of Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Negros provinces, Siargao, Surigao del Norte and Sur, and other exposed areas. Fisherfolk and residents in coastal communities are advised to follow local advisories and evacuation orders if necessary.
At sea, conditions are turning dangerous. Gale warnings are now in effect over the eastern seaboards of the Visayas and Mindanao, with very rough seas reaching up to five meters off Surigao del Sur. PAGASA advised all types of vessels, especially small seacraft and motorbancas, to remain in port or seek safe harbor until weather conditions improve.
Looking ahead, PAGASA said Basyang is expected to make its first landfall over Surigao del Sur later tonight. After crossing Mindanao, it may emerge over the Bohol Sea by Friday morning and could pass near or make another landfall over Siquijor and southern Negros Oriental by Friday afternoon. The storm is then forecast to move toward the Sulu Sea and cross northern Palawan over the weekend.
Basyang may still intensify before landfall, although some weakening is expected as it interacts with land. It is forecast to remain a tropical storm in the short term before weakening into a tropical depression by Saturday and eventually a low-pressure area early next week.
Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to stay alert, prepare for possible evacuations, and closely monitor weather updates from PAGASA and local disaster offices as Basyang continues its approach.
As of 10 a.m. Thursday, the center of Basyang was located about 295 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. It is packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 80 kph, and is moving westward at a brisk 25 kph. Strong to gale-force winds are already spreading as far as 300 kilometers from the center.
Because of this, Signal No. 2 — which warns of possible gale-force winds within 24 hours — is now in effect over Siquijor, parts of Negros Oriental, southern Cebu, and southern Bohol in the Visayas. In Mindanao, the signal covers Surigao del Norte including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands, Surigao del Sur, parts of Davao Oriental, Agusan del Norte and Sur, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, and nearby provinces. These areas face a minor to moderate threat to life and property as stronger winds move in.
Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 has been raised over a wider area, including Cuyo and Cagayancillo Islands, large portions of the Visayas, and much of Mindanao. Residents in these areas can expect strong winds within the next 36 hours, with possible minimal to minor impacts.
Aside from damaging winds, heavy rainfall remains a major concern. PAGASA warned that Basyang, together with the shear line, could bring intense downpours that may trigger flooding and landslides, especially in low-lying and mountainous communities.
Coastal areas are also being told to stay on high alert. A storm surge of up to two meters is possible within the next 48 hours in several coastal provinces, including parts of Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Negros provinces, Siargao, Surigao del Norte and Sur, and other exposed areas. Fisherfolk and residents in coastal communities are advised to follow local advisories and evacuation orders if necessary.
At sea, conditions are turning dangerous. Gale warnings are now in effect over the eastern seaboards of the Visayas and Mindanao, with very rough seas reaching up to five meters off Surigao del Sur. PAGASA advised all types of vessels, especially small seacraft and motorbancas, to remain in port or seek safe harbor until weather conditions improve.
Looking ahead, PAGASA said Basyang is expected to make its first landfall over Surigao del Sur later tonight. After crossing Mindanao, it may emerge over the Bohol Sea by Friday morning and could pass near or make another landfall over Siquijor and southern Negros Oriental by Friday afternoon. The storm is then forecast to move toward the Sulu Sea and cross northern Palawan over the weekend.
Basyang may still intensify before landfall, although some weakening is expected as it interacts with land. It is forecast to remain a tropical storm in the short term before weakening into a tropical depression by Saturday and eventually a low-pressure area early next week.
Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to stay alert, prepare for possible evacuations, and closely monitor weather updates from PAGASA and local disaster offices as Basyang continues its approach.
Feb 5, 2026
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