Tropical Storm Penha Leaves 12 Dead, 645,000 Displaced in Philippines
Tropical Storm Penha, locally known as Bagyong Basyang, left 12 people dead and 36 injured after bringing destructive rainfall, flooding, and landslides across the Philippines in February 2026. The cyclone impacted over 645,000 people across 182,352 families as communities in Mindanao and the Visayas responded to flooding and storm-related disruptions. Penha formed over the western Pacific on 3 February and intensified into a tropical storm before making multiple landfalls across the Philippines from 5 to 6 February. The storm reached its peak intensity near Mindanao, with PAGASA and JMA estimates of 65 km/h sustained winds, while JTWC’s 1-minute sustained analysis recorded maximum winds of 75 km/h and a minimum pressure of 999 hPa.
From Disturbance to Named Storm: Penha Takes Aim at Mindanao
Penha began as a tropical depression over the western Pacific east of the Philippines on 3 February 2026. The developing system was first tracked near 10.0°N, 137.3°E, where it moved westward across the Philippine Sea while gradually organizing. During its early stage, the circulation remained weak, but improving convection allowed the system to strengthen as it approached the Philippine region.
By 4 February, Penha had developed into a tropical storm while located east of the Philippine archipelago. The storm maintained a westward track, moving through warm ocean waters that supported continued organization. Its central pressure decreased during development, reaching around 1002 hPa before the cyclone reached its peak intensity.
As the system entered the Philippine monitoring area, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) designated it as Bagyong Basyang and began issuing tropical cyclone bulletins. Wind Signal No. 1 and Signal No. 2 warnings were raised in affected areas as forecasts indicated threats from heavy rainfall, strong winds, and hazardous seas.
Penha’s approach focused attention on eastern and northern Mindanao, where mountainous terrain and vulnerable communities increased the risk of flash floods and landslides. The storm’s relatively limited wind strength did not prevent serious impacts because rainfall accumulation became the dominant hazard during its passage.
The cyclone moved toward Surigao del Sur, where its first major land interaction occurred. Penha made landfall near Bayabas, Surigao del Sur, on 5 February, bringing intense rain and gusty winds to parts of Caraga and surrounding areas. The landfall marked the beginning of a multi-stage crossing that later carried the storm through sections of the Visayas.
Landfall in Surigao del Sur: Peak Winds of 65 km/h, Torrential Rains
Penha reached its strongest point on 5 February while positioned near 8.5°N, 127.4°E. PAGASA and JMA assessments placed its maximum sustained winds at 65 km/h, while JTWC’s 1-minute sustained estimate reached 75 km/h. The cyclone’s minimum pressure ranged from 999 hPa in JTWC analysis to 1000 hPa under JMA estimates, reflecting differences between observation standards used by international monitoring agencies.
After striking Bayabas in Surigao del Sur, Penha crossed northern Mindanao and continued toward the central Philippines. The storm produced heavy rainfall across affected provinces, causing rivers to overflow and triggering landslides in areas already vulnerable to rapid runoff. Several communities experienced flooding that damaged homes, roads, and agricultural areas.
The cyclone continued moving through the Visayas between 5 and 6 February, producing additional rainfall impacts during its multiple landfalls. Coastal areas faced rough seas, while transportation disruptions affected maritime travel. Local authorities carried out evacuations in flood-prone locations as emergency teams responded to rising water levels and blocked roads.
Although Penha never reached typhoon strength, its rainfall hazards remained significant after landfall. The combination of saturated ground, mountainous landscapes, and densely populated communities contributed to the storm’s humanitarian impact.
The disaster response involved evacuations, rescue operations, and recovery efforts across affected provinces. Authorities reported widespread effects from flooding and landslides, with thousands of families temporarily displaced from their homes. The storm demonstrated that tropical cyclone impacts in the western Pacific are not determined only by wind intensity, as rainfall distribution and local geography often shape the severity of damage.
Rapid Weakening Over Visayas: Storm Dissipates, Flood Legacy Remains
After crossing the Philippines, Penha weakened quickly as interaction with land disrupted its circulation. By 6 February, the cyclone had been downgraded to a tropical depression near 9.7°N, 124.9°E, with winds decreasing and its circulation becoming less organized.
The weakening system continued moving westward across the central Philippines before losing tropical cyclone characteristics. On 7 February, the remaining circulation dissipated near 10.3°N, 122.6°E, ending a short four-day lifecycle that began over open Pacific waters and concluded after crossing the Philippine islands.
Despite its brief existence, Penha produced measurable social and environmental impacts. The storm impacted over 645,000 people across 182,352 families, with official disaster assessments recording 12 fatalities and 36 injuries. Flooding and landslides accounted for many of the reported consequences as emergency agencies continued response and recovery operations across affected areas.
Penha’s final track represented a typical western Pacific tropical cyclone pattern: formation east of the Philippines, strengthening over warm waters, landfall over Mindanao, passage through the Visayas, and rapid dissipation after land interaction. The final analyzed position was near 10.3°N, 122.6°E on 7 February 2026, with the cyclone dissipating after weakening from tropical storm intensity to a remnant low-pressure circulation.