‘Basyang’ makes landfall in Surigao del Sur

BUTUAN CITY – Tropical storm Basyang (international name: Sanba) made landfall in the town of Cortes in Surigao del Sur at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

Initial reports indicated that rains dumped by the typhoon triggered a landslide in the province, trapping five families, officials said.

Basyang had also prompted suspension of classes across Mindanao areas, which was ravaged by storm “Vinta” in December 2017, over fears of landslides and floods.

As of 8 a.m. the state weather bureau said Basyang was moving northwest at 25 kilometers per hour.

By 9:30 a.m., Pagasa issued a heavy rainfall warning over Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Siargao Island, Surigao del Sur, and Agusan del Norte.

“Serious flooding is damaging. Widespread flooding. More roads are not passable. Higher chance of landslides,” Pagasa said.

Flooding and landslides are also possible in Camiguin and Agusan del Sur, according to Pagasa.            /kga