Bridge in Iligan City Collapses as Tropical Storm Basyang Unleashes Strong Currents and Winds

Iligan City, Philippines — A major bridge in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte collapsed after Tropical Storm Basyang brought intense rains, powerful winds, and rapidly rising floodwaters to the region, officials confirmed Friday, February 06, 2026. The destruction occurred as swollen rivers and strong currents overwhelmed river crossings and infrastructure across the city.

The collapse affected a steel bridge in Purok 1-B, Puga-an, where officers from the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that raging floodwaters washed away key structural supports, making it impassable to all types of vehicles.

In addition to the bridge collapse, heavy rains and flash flooding forced at least 1,200 families — roughly 4,697 residents — to evacuate their homes and seek shelter at safer locations across the city. Some neighborhoods experienced floodwaters that rose nearly to head level, prompting widespread rescue and relief efforts.

Strong currents also rendered Tubod Bridge temporarily impassable, with debris piling up around the structure and authorities closing the thoroughfare to prevent accidents. Personnel from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, with support from the Philippine Coast Guard and other agencies, continued search, evacuation, and relief operations as floodwaters persisted.

The widespread flooding also carried away several vehicles in Barangay Mahayahay, where residents grappled with surging waters and hazardous conditions. Local government units deployed heavy equipment to clear blocked roads, unclog drainage canals, and restore access to affected communities.

“Tropical Storm Basyang has brought unusually heavy rainfall and strong currents to Iligan City,” said a city councilor involved in relief coordination. “We continue working with national agencies to assist affected families and assess infrastructure damage, including the collapse of the Puga-an bridge.”

The incident comes as Basyang swept across northern Mindanao and the Visayas with sustained winds and torrential rains that have disrupted travel, canceled flights, and caused flooding and landslides in multiple provinces. At least four deaths have been reported in landslide incidents triggered by the storm, and thousands more displaced nationwide.

Residents have been urged to stay alert to weather updates and follow safety advisories as recovery and cleanup operations continue. Authorities are also evaluating longer-term infrastructure and flood-control needs in the wake of the storm’s impacts.