At least nine deaths have been reported as of 12:00 p.m. Saturday, following the onslaught of Tropical Cyclone Basyang, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

In an interview with DZRH News on Saturday, February 7, OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo said the fatalities were based on initial and official data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Castillo explained that six of the reported deaths are still under verification. Four of these involved members of a family from Cagayan de Oro City who died due to a landslide, while two individuals from the Caraga region reportedly drowned.

Three additional fatalities were reported by Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao, said Castillo.

Based on official figures, a total of 64,360 families, or approximately 233,000 individuals, were affected by Basyang across 517 barangays nationwide.

Castillo said Iligan City was among the hardest-hit areas and has already declared a state of calamity. At least 14 barangays in the city experienced flooding, although authorities reported that floodwaters have already subsided and clearing operations are ongoing.

As of Saturday, many residents remain in evacuation centers, while others have been allowed to return home as weather conditions continue to improve.

The OCD reported that around 16,000 families, equivalent to 53,000 individuals, were displaced and temporarily sheltered in 480 evacuation centers.

Castillo also noted that disaster response efforts were prepared in advance, as relief goods and resources had already been pre-positioned even before Basyang made landfall.

The low pressure area formerly Basyang has dissipated, according to PAGASA as of 8 AM, February 7.