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Tropical Storm Basyang Strands Thousands, Cancels Flights in Philippines

Tropical Storm Basyang has caused significant travel chaos in the Philippines, leading to the cancellation of at least 32 flights and stranding thousands of passengers. The storm, which weakened into a tropical depression, brought heavy rainfall resulting in widespread flooding, forcing evacuations in low-lying areas. Maritime travel was also severely impacted, with hundreds of passengers and cargo stranded at various ports. Critical infrastructure was affected, including the temporary closure of a national highway bridge after a river overflowed.

Key Points: Philippines Flights Cancelled as Tropical Storm Basyang Hits

  • 32 flights cancelled
  • 7,737 passengers affected
  • Widespread flooding reported
  • Sea travel suspended nationwide
2 min read

Philippines: Flights cancelled due to Tropical Storm Basyang

Hundreds stranded as Tropical Storm Basyang cancels 32 flights, causes flooding, and halts sea travel across the Philippines.

"Basyang will bring heavy rainfall across the country. - PAGASA"

Manila, February 6

Hundreds of passengers were left stranded at airports after authorities on Friday cancelled at least 32 flights due to Tropical Storm Basyang, state media reported, citing the country's civil aviation authority.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said cancellations affected 7,737 passengers, according to the PNA news outlet.

There was widespread flooding due to the storm, which, according to the country's weather bureau bulletin at 11 am (local time) today, weakened into a tropical depression, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the centre and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

The weather department PAGASA, said Basyang will bring heavy rainfall across the country. It is expected to weaken into a low-pressure area on Saturday.

In low-lying neighbourhoods, such as Barangay Mahayahay area, families were forced to move to upper floors or evacuation centres as floodwaters remained, PNA reported.

A river in the Iligan city prompted the temporary closure of a national highway bridge, with waters rising up to three feet at its peak and sweeping away parked vehicles.

On Thursday, the Philippines Coast Guard suspended sea travels, which stranded at least 130 passengers in Southern Leyte yesterday.

Today, PNA reported that the temporary cancellation of all sea trips in Iloilo province left 643 passengers, 326 rolling cargoes, and three vessels stranded in ports as of this morning.

People living in low-lying areas were also evacuated to safer high ground due to continuous rains from a low-pressure area.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Safety first! Cancelling flights and sea travel is the right call, even if it causes inconvenience. Stranded passengers are better than a tragedy. The Philippines authorities seem to be handling it well.
A
Aman W
Seeing cars swept away is terrifying. It's a stark reminder of nature's power. In our coastal cities like Mumbai and Chennai, we also battle such floods. Proper urban drainage planning is crucial globally.
S
Sarah B
Nearly 8,000 passengers affected is a huge number. I do hope the airlines are providing proper accommodation and refunds, not just leaving people at the airport. That's often where the real trouble starts.
V
Vikram M
The report says it's weakening, which is good news. But the heavy rainfall warning is still serious. Hope the evacuation centres are well-stocked with food, water, and medical supplies. Stay safe, everyone there.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while the immediate response seems okay, there's always a question about long-term infrastructure. Are these low-lying areas being properly reinforced or should there be planned relocation? Reactive measures aren't enough.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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