MANILA, Philippines — State weather bureau PAGASA has upgraded the alert level for several provinces as Tropical Storm “Basyang” (international name: Sanba) draws closer to the eastern coast of Mindanao.
As of Thursday morning, February 5, 2026, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 has been hoisted over eight areas in the region, warning of gale-force winds and the high risk of landslides and flash floods.
Areas Under Signal No. 2 Residents in the following areas should prepare for winds of 62 to 88 kph:
- Surigao del Sur
- Surigao del Norte (including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands)
- Dinagat Islands
- Agusan del Norte
- Agusan del Sur
- Davao de Oro
- Davao Oriental
- Eastern Samar (southern portion)
Signal No. 1 remains in effect for large parts of the Visayas, the rest of Northeastern Mindanao, and northern portions of Davao del Norte.
Current Position and Intensity
- Location: As of 4 a.m., the center of “Basyang” was estimated at 415 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
- Strength: The storm has intensified, packing maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gusts of up to 90 kph.
- Movement: It is currently moving west-northwestward at a speed of 15 kph.
Landfall and Forecast Track “Basyang” is projected to make its initial landfall over the Surigao del Sur-Davao Oriental area between Thursday evening and early Friday morning.
- Path: After hitting land, the storm will traverse the Caraga and Davao regions before crossing the Central and Western Visayas.
- Sulu Sea: It is expected to emerge over the Sulu Sea by Saturday afternoon.
- Palawan: The storm may pass near or over northern Palawan before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Monday.
Hazards and Warnings PAGASA warned of heavy to intense rains over Caraga, Davao Region, and Eastern Visayas. The state weather bureau also reiterated its gale warning for the eastern seaboards of Mindanao and the Visayas. All sea travel for small seacraft in these areas remains suspended due to waves reaching up to 4.5 meters.
Local government units in the affected areas have already activated emergency response protocols and initiated pre-emptive evacuations in flood-prone and mountainous zones.