MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte – Some residents in the city recently complained of experiencing dizziness, exhaustion and hospitalization, coinciding with the heat index recorded by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA).
Maasin City’s heat index reached 42-40-43-45-44 degrees Celsius from May 13 to May 17, 2023.
In the Philippines a heat index of 46 degrees Celsius was recorded in Catarman, Northern Samar in Eastern Visayas last May 17, 2023 – the highest recorded during the day. Also on the top 5 list were Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas, Baler, Aurora, Calapan, Oriental Mindoro and Juban, Sorsogon.
The Top 5 places in the country with the highest index from March 1 to May 17 were: Legazpi City, Albay with 50 degrees Celsius last May 12; Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte (on May 12) and Guian, Eastern Samar (on May 16) has 49; Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Norte (on May 13) and Catbalogan, Western Samar (on May 5) with 48 degrees Celsius during the onset of the dry period, according to PAG-ASA.
According to the Weather Bureau from 33-41 degrees Celsius (Extreme Caution) people can experience possible heat cramps and heat exhaustion, people must avoid extra activities by exposing the sun may possibly lead to heat stroke. For 42-51 degrees Celsius (Danger) heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely; heat stroke is probable with continued exposure. For 52 degrees and above heat stroke is imminent.
People can experience these symptoms from heat-related illnesses, sweating heavily, blacking out, feeling dizzy when standing, weak but with fast pulse, nausea, and vomiting.
“School heads are reminded of their authority to suspend in-person classes and implement modular distance learning in cases of unfavorable weather conditions like extreme heat,” Lyna M. Gayas, DepEd Southern Leyte Division said in a chat interview.
The PAGASA Heat Index for May 17 and May 18 in Maasin PAGASA Station, Southern Leyte recorded extremely high temperatures of 45 and 44 degrees Celsius, respectively. These readings fall into the Orange category, indicating a state of Danger.
It is of utmost importance that schools are reminded of the critical need to prioritize the implementation of preventive measures, and take immediate action, including the suspension of face-to-face classes, and transition to Modular Distance Learning (MDL) approaches to effectively mitigate the risks associated with prolonged exposure to such extreme heat, Gayas explained.
One significant cause of increase in the heat index is global warming due to climate change. Climate change happens because of the so-called Atmospheric greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, that come from the combustion of fossil fuels. Global warming is the release of toxic and harmful greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide due to burning fossil fuels and industrial activities. Pollution and cutting down trees can also be an example. (energy education.ca, Infinity Learn, PAGASA, RCabodbod, LEscoro, MLayola)
Heat wave poses danger to people
