GINGOOG CITY, Misamis Oriental — The water level of Cahulugan River in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental continues to rise as relentless rains brought by Typhoon Basyang batter Northern Mindanao, raising fresh concerns over flood preparedness and disaster resilience. As of February 5, 2026, residents living near the river witnessed strong, fast-moving floodwaters surging downstream, a scene captured in videos that quickly circulated online and sparked alarm across nearby communities.

Local authorities attribute the swelling river to continuous and heavy rainfall caused by Basyang, which has saturated the surrounding watersheds and overwhelmed natural drainage systems. While no casualties have been reported so far, the situation remains volatile, particularly for low-lying barangays vulnerable to sudden flooding. Disaster response teams are on alert, monitoring water levels and urging residents to remain vigilant and ready to evacuate if conditions worsen.

Beyond the immediate threat, the situation at Cahulugan River once again highlights a recurring national issue: the Philippines’ ongoing struggle with flood management in the face of increasingly intense weather events. Typhoons are no longer isolated emergencies; they are becoming more frequent, stronger, and more destructive—patterns widely linked to climate change. Each flooding incident raises uncomfortable questions about urban planning, deforestation, river dredging, and the adequacy of early warning systems.

While communities often display remarkable resilience and cooperation during disasters, resilience should not mean enduring the same risks repeatedly. Preventive action, long-term infrastructure investment, and environmental protection must be prioritized alongside emergency response. Floods like this are not merely acts of nature; they are also reflections of policy choices and preparedness gaps. As Cahulugan River continues to swell under Typhoon Basyang’s rains, the bigger question remains: will this serve as another forgotten warning once the waters recede, or a turning point toward serious action on disaster preparedness and climate adaptation? (Larawan mula sa: Jonas U. Bustamante via Birada News / Facebook)