Authorities in Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte suspended most sea travel and classes on November 24, 2025, as Tropical Depression Verbena neared the Caraga region. The system, packing winds of 45 kilometers per hour, was expected to make landfall later that day. PAGASA raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over several areas, urging vigilance against floods and landslides.
On Monday, November 24, 2025, Tropical Depression Verbena slowed to 15 kilometers per hour as it moved westward, located 205 kilometers east-southeast of Surigao City in Surigao del Norte by 10 a.m. The depression maintained maximum sustained winds of 45 kph with gusts up to 55 kph, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Earlier, at 7 a.m., it was estimated 290 kilometers east of Surigao City and moving at 20 kph, highlighting its gradual approach.
PAGASA forecasted landfall in the Caraga region that afternoon or evening, followed by traversal across the Visayas and northern Palawan through Tuesday, November 25, before emerging over the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday morning, November 26. The system could slightly intensify before landfall but was likely to remain a depression while crossing landmasses, potentially reaching tropical storm strength over the West Philippine Sea and peaking as a severe tropical storm.
In response, the Philippine Coast Guard halted most sea voyages to and from Dinagat Islands and storm-affected parts of Mindanao after PAGASA raised Signal No. 1 over Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte at 5 a.m. Exceptions applied to roll-on/roll-off vessels on the main supply route to Surigao City, limited to daylight hours, no passengers except cargo drivers, no dangerous goods, vessels over 300 gross tons, and cargo not exceeding 75% capacity, under conditions of calm seas and good visibility.
Class suspensions were ordered in Dinagat Islands municipalities of San Jose, Loreto, and Libjo due to risks of flooding and landslides from persistent heavy rain. In Surigao del Norte, Governor Lyndon Barbers authorized localized suspensions in Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands, deferring to local governments. By 11 a.m., Signal No. 1 expanded to include areas in Luzon such as Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, northern Palawan; Visayas regions like Masbate, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental and Oriental, Siquijor, Bohol, Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte; and Mindanao spots including Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and northern Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, northern Agusan del Sur, Camiguin, and eastern Misamis Oriental.
Verbena, the 22nd tropical cyclone of 2025 and third in November after Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan, brought heavy to intense rainfall (100-200 mm) to eastern Visayas, parts of Western Visayas, Bicol, and Caraga within 24 hours, with moderate to heavy rain (50-100 mm) in additional areas. PAGASA warned of possible floods and landslides, while sea conditions ranged from rough to very rough in affected seaboards.
