Typhoon Penha leaves 12 dead and displaces thousands in Philippines

Typhoon Penha has caused significant devastation in the Philippines, resulting in at least 12 fatalities and the displacement of thousands of residents, according to the country's Office of Civil Defense (OCD). The storm, referred to locally as Tropical Storm Basyang, triggered severe flooding and rain-induced landslides across several regions over the past week.

Casualties and Widespread Displacement

Disaster management authorities confirmed that the 12 deaths are primarily attributed to flooding and landslides, with the number potentially rising as assessments continue. Nine of the fatalities occurred in Northern Mindanao, including four members of a single family killed in a landslide. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council estimates that more than 455,000 people have been affected. In response, officials have relocated over 16,500 families to nearly 500 evacuation centers, with countless others seeking refuge privately.

Storm's Path and Continued Threats

Forming earlier in the week, Typhoon Penha intensified rapidly, making its first landfall on Thursday in the municipality of Bayabas, Surigao del Sur province on Mindanao Island. The storm traversed the region, making a total of five landfalls across Mindanao and the Visayas before weakening into a low-pressure area on Saturday. Despite its downgrade, meteorological agencies warn that heavy rainfall is forecast to persist in parts of the Mimaropa region, Mindoro, Negros, Western Visayas, and Luzon, raising ongoing flood risks.

Transport Havoc and Regional Context

The typhoon's impact severely disrupted Philippine transport networks, leading to the cancellation of at least 32 flights since Thursday and stranding approximately 7,737 air travelers, according to the Civil Aviation Authority. The event coincides with severe weather threats elsewhere in the Pacific region; in Australia, Tropical Cyclone Mitchell is intensifying and prompting urgent shelter advisories for residents in Western Australia's Pilbara region.