AGUSAN DEL NORTE, Philippines — Torrential rains brought by Tropical Storm Basyang inundated several schools across Agusan del Norte on Friday, February 6, forcing class suspensions and leaving campuses submerged in knee-deep floodwaters. 

Local officials confirmed that schools in Remedios T. Romualdez and other municipalities were among the hardest hit, with classrooms and facilities damaged by the rising waters.

At Remedios T. Romualdez Central Elementary School, floodwaters entered multiple classrooms despite the suspension of classes. Principal Cherry Lou Resureccion, who inspected the campus, said cleanup efforts would be extensive once waters recede. 

“Ang bubungad sa kanila ay ang dirty surroundings. Ang mga parents at guro maglilinis na naman,” she explained, noting that classes are expected to resume by Monday, February 9, if conditions improve.

Panaytayon Elementary School also reported knee-deep flooding inside classrooms, disrupting school operations and damaging learning materials. Local government units had earlier announced widespread class suspensions to ensure the safety of students and staff.

The Office of Civil Defense confirmed that at least one person drowned in Agusan del Norte as Basyang battered Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions. Nationwide, the storm left at least eight people dead, including victims of landslides in Cagayan de Oro and flooding in Iligan City.

Authorities warned that floodwaters in affected schools may take one to two days to fully subside. Parents, teachers, and local volunteers are expected to spearhead cleanup operations over the weekend to prepare campuses for the resumption of classes.

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