By Kenneth Marcos 
Before sunrise on Friday, residents in Agusan del Norte woke to pounding rain and strong winds as Tropical Storm Basyang crossed the province, raising fears of flooding and landslides in already vulnerable communities. Farmers, fisherfolk, and small business owners rushed to secure homes, crops, and fishing boats as weather conditions quickly worsened.
According to the Department of Agriculture–Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DA-DRRM) Operations Center, Tropical Storm Basyang maintained its strength while traversing Agusan del Norte on the morning of February 6, 2026. Weather data placed the center of the storm near Kitcharao town, carrying maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching up to 90 kilometers per hour. The storm was moving west-northwest at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour.
State weather bureau DOST-PAGASA warned that Basyang continues to bring heavy to intense rainfall over parts of Mindanao, especially in Caraga and nearby regions. At the same time, the Northeast Monsoon, or Amihan, is affecting Northern and Central Luzon, bringing cloudy skies, scattered rains, and strong winds to many provinces in those areas.
Authorities cautioned that the combination of the tropical storm and monsoon winds could trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in low-lying communities and mountainous areas with saturated soil. PAGASA also noted a minor to moderate threat to life and property due to strong to gale-force winds, which may damage light structures, topple trees, and disrupt power lines.
For farming communities, the impact could be severe. Heavy rains may flood rice fields, vegetable plots, and corn farms, while strong winds can flatten young crops and fruit-bearing trees. In coastal areas, rough seas pose a danger to small fishing boats, forcing many fisherfolk to stay ashore and lose daily income.
The Department of Agriculture advised local government units to closely monitor weather updates and prepare for possible agricultural losses. Local agriculture offices were urged to activate quick response teams, check irrigation systems, and assist farmers in securing farm equipment, livestock, and harvest-ready produce. Farmers were also reminded to avoid working in open fields during heavy rain and strong winds to prevent accidents.
Disaster response teams in Agusan del Norte and nearby provinces have been placed on alert. Barangay officials were instructed to identify families living near rivers, slopes, and coastal zones who may need preemptive evacuation if rainfall intensifies. Emergency shelters, food packs, and medical supplies are also being readied in case conditions worsen.
In Northern and Central Luzon, residents were advised to prepare for cooler temperatures, occasional heavy rains, and strong Amihan winds. Motorists were warned about slippery roads and reduced visibility, while small vessels were advised not to venture out to sea during rough conditions.
Weather experts stressed that tropical storms can change strength and direction quickly. The public was strongly encouraged to rely only on official updates from DOST-PAGASA and local disaster offices, and to ignore unverified information circulating on social media.
As Basyang continues to move across the country, authorities remind everyone that early preparation can save lives and livelihoods. Staying informed, following safety advice, and helping one another during severe weather remain crucial, especially for communities that depend on agriculture and fisheries for daily survival.
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