What is the name and location of the storm?
As of February 5, 2026, Tropical Storm Basyang, also referred to as Penha, continues to approach the Philippine landmass, with its center located 230 km to 440 km east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
Advisories indicate that the storm maintains 65 km/h sustained winds and up to 80 km/h gusts as it steadily moves toward Mindanao (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the storm?
The storm impacts wide areas across the Visayas and Mindanao, with wind signals raised in multiple provinces (2).
The affected provinces include:
- Visayas
- Caraga Region
- Northern Mindanao
- Davao Region
- Bangsamoro (Lanao areas)
- Cotabato Region
- Zamboanga Peninsula
What is the projected path and intensity of the storm?
The storm is moving westward toward Eastern Mindanao and is expected to make initial landfall over Surigao del Sur late on February 5 or early February 6.
The projected path indicates that the storm will cross northeastern Mindanao, emerge over the Bohol Sea, potentially make a second landfall near Siquijor or southern Negros Oriental, traverse the Sulu Sea, and pass over northern Palawan by Saturday (4).
Basyang may intensify slightly before landfall but is forecast to weaken into a tropical depression by Saturday and eventually into a low-pressure area by Monday (5).
Wind map of Tropical Storm Basyang, as of February 5, 2026. Source: IQAir.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Multiple wind signals have been raised, including Signal No. 2 in major areas like Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan provinces, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, and portions of Cebu and Bohol, indicating the potential for minor to moderate structural damage.
Local governments, such as those in Lanao del Sur and Surigao del Sur, have suspended classes and government work, activated emergency operations centers, placed response teams on standby, and advised residents to avoid sea travel and follow evacuation instructions.
The public is urged to monitor official advisories and comply with local evacuation orders as conditions may rapidly worsen.
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
