By Kenneth Marcos 
As dusk falls over coastal towns in eastern Mindanao, families secure roofs, check drainage, and prepare for a night of rain. Fisherfolk pull boats farther inland, while farmers watch the sky closely. The approach of Tropical Depression Basyang has put many communities on alert as weather officials warn of heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flooding.
The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has urged the public to take precautions as Tropical Depression Basyang moves closer to the Philippines. The warning follows a 5:00 p.m. advisory from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), which placed the center of the weather system about 655 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
As of the latest bulletin, Basyang was packing maximum sustained winds of up to 55 kilometers per hour and moving at 15 kilometers per hour in a south-southwest direction. Weather forecasters said the system is expected to continue moving westward over the next 36 hours before shifting west-northwest by the evening of February 5.
Based on the projected track, the center of Tropical Depression Basyang is expected to make landfall over the eastern parts of Mindanao either late Thursday night or early Friday morning, February 6. After landfall, it is forecast to cross northeastern Mindanao and move over Central and Western Visayas. The system is then expected to exit into the Sulu Sea by Saturday morning, February 7, before passing near the northern portion of Palawan later that day and emerging into the West Philippine Sea.
PAGASA said Basyang could intensify and reach tropical storm strength while still over the Philippine Sea. However, as it traverses land areas in the Visayas, the system may weaken and could downgrade into a low-pressure area by Sunday, February 8.
Despite its current classification as a tropical depression, authorities warned that Basyang could still bring moderate to at times heavy rainfall across affected regions. Such rainfall raises the risk of flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas, as well as landslides in mountainous and coastal communities.
The CCC reminded local governments and residents to stay vigilant, particularly those living near rivers, slopes, and coastal zones. The agency stressed that climate-related hazards are becoming more frequent and intense, making early preparation and community awareness critical in reducing damage and saving lives.
Residents were advised to regularly monitor official weather bulletins and hazard advisories from government agencies. Emergency responders also urged the public to follow instructions from local disaster risk reduction and management offices, including possible pre-emptive evacuations if conditions worsen.
Authorities emphasized that preparedness should include securing homes, avoiding unnecessary travel during heavy rains, and keeping emergency supplies such as food, water, medicines, and important documents within reach. Fisherfolk were again reminded to avoid sea travel as rough waves and strong winds are expected along affected coastlines.
Emergency hotlines remain on standby nationwide to respond to calls for assistance, including medical emergencies, fire incidents, and rescue operations. Government agencies assured the public that monitoring and response teams are active and ready to provide support as the weather situation develops.
As Tropical Depression Basyang moves closer, officials called on Filipinos to remain calm but cautious. Staying informed, prepared, and cooperative with authorities can help communities weather the storm and reduce the risks posed by severe weather.
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