The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Northern Mindanao (DSWD-10) has confirmed that Tropical Storm Basyang affected nearly 15,000 families in Iligan City—equivalent to more than 24,000 individuals.
Regional Public Information Officer Rosheil Galla explained that the figure is expected to rise as profiling continues, particularly for those who did not stay in evacuation centers.
Of the affected families, about 6,000 are currently sheltered in evacuation centers, while the rest have returned to their homes or are staying with relatives.
Across Region 10, the storm’s devastation was even broader, impacting 34,000 families in total.
Galla acknowledged that the scale of the disaster demands close coordination between DSWD-10, local government units, and partner agencies to ensure timely delivery of relief assistance.
Priority is being given to families who suffered casualties and those in the most vulnerable situations.
Relief operations are ongoing, with food packs, hygiene kits, and emergency shelter assistance being distributed.
However, logistics remain difficult due to damaged roads and bridges, slowing down the movement of supplies.
Local officials also noted that flooding was worsened by heavy siltation in rivers and upland runoff, which overwhelmed Iligan’s waterways.
The situation highlights not only the immediate need for relief but also the importance of long-term disaster risk reduction and climate resilience measures.
With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, Iligan City and the wider Northern Mindanao region face the challenge of strengthening infrastructure, improving early warning systems, and ensuring communities are better prepared for future storms.
