In Surigao del Sur, losses from ‘Basyang’ top P1B
TANDAG CITY—The provincial board of Surigao del Sur convened in a special session on Monday to approve a declaration of a state of calamity throughout the province owing to the devastation wrought by Tropical Depression “Basyang” (international name: Penha) last week as officials pegged storm-related economic losses at over P1 billion.
Local officials said the declaration would allow the provincial government to use extra funds to fast-track relief operations and rehabilitation of devastated communities as well as impose price control to ease the burden of families during the period of emergency.
Thousands of displaced families across the province continue to bear the scars of Basyang’s fury as they suffer the loss of homes, livelihoods, belongings and even loved ones.
Based on the situational report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Basyang has affected 95,670 families, or 359,887 people.
The PDRRMO said 33,071 families had been displaced and now staying in evacuation centers while 6,168 families are living outside, mainly with relatives.
The storm left two residents dead after they were swept away by raging floodwaters that rose up to 1.6 meters (5.24 feet).
The floods had submerged villages and cut off roads in Cantilan, Madrid, Lanuza, Cortes, San Miguel, Bayabas and Carmen towns. Landslides and mudslides blocked major transport routes.
On Tuesday, the Department of Public Works and Highways announced that the national highway is now passable except the sections in Barangay Nurcia, Lanuza and Barangay Burgos, Cortes which are still being cleared.
Property, agri damage
The rapid assessment done by the PDRRMO showed some P1.48 billion in economic losses due to Basyang’s onslaught.
The PDRRMO said more than 500 houses were damaged by the floods, with losses estimated at P4.35 million. Most of the damaged houses are in Carmen town.
Government buildings, public schools, roads, bridges and lifeline facilities were also reported damaged, in all estimated to cost some P876.9 million.
Agriculture took a beating from the storm with crop losses estimated at P599.36 million, including rice at P209.9 million, corn at P109.5 million, high-value crops at P249.8 million, livestock at P3.26 million, and fisheries at P26.9 million.
The capital city of Tandag and San Miguel town suffered the heaviest agricultural losses.
Assistance
Amid the devastation, residents and local businesses moved quickly to assist flood victims, while aid from government agencies were being organized.
Councilor Hazel Pasok, with her business partner Mikah Kristylle Paqueo, converted a bistro and space for catering services into relief kitchens, pausing regular operations to prepare and distribute meals.
“We knew people needed food immediately. We couldn’t afford to wait while families were already going hungry,” Pasok said.
She also brought her own generator set to set up a temporary charging station for residents. Appeal for aid posted on social media drew public support, resulting in donations of food, water, clothing, and cash.
As of Feb. 7, around 3,500 meals had been distributed, including to areas in Cortes that were hard to reach.
Other businesses also offered assistance. Vilma Rose, owner of an appliance repair and maintenance shop, provided discounted repair services for flood-affected households.
“This is our way of easing the burden and helping flood victims recover,” Rose said.
While residents expressed gratitude, some voiced concern over the slow arrival of government aid.
Pasok stressed that these efforts were temporary support measures. “This is not about replacing government response. This is about helping people survive while waiting,” she said.
Private individuals, organizations and community groups in Surigao del Sur have organized donation drives to assist flood victims.
