‘DANGER’ HEAT INDEX FORCES SCHOOLS TO SUSPEND CLASSES

CLASSES in several schools in Metro Manila and other provinces on Monday suspended classes due to scorching heat index that could reach as high as 42 degrees Celsius. 

The Department of Education (DepEd) reported that on-site classes were suspended in Manila, Malabon, Parañaque, Las Piñas and Pasay.

In Manila, afternoon classes in all levels in public and private schools had been suspended. 

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, in a social media post, said the suspension of classes was based on the recommendation of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council. (MDRRMC)

“According to the weather forecast by Manila Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office (MDRRMO), Manila’s heat index this morning will range from 36-38°C, with peak heat index of 42°C to be felt around 2 p.m. today,” the mayor said.

The Manila mayor reminded the public to stay hydrated as extreme heat may cause heat stroke and other illnesses. 

In Valenzuela and Caloocan, classes in public schools only from kindergarten to senior high school were also suspended. 

In its 4 a.m. bulletin, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PNA) said that in addition to Science Garden and Clark Airport, the Central Luzon State University in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, will experience a “danger” heat index of 45 degrees on Monday. 

In Pampanga, the cities of Angeles and San Fernando suspended afternoon classes due to the high heat index.

The municipality of Mangatarem in Pangasinan  also suspended face-to-face classes on all levels on Monday afternoon due to extreme heat.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday warned the public against heat illnesses as temperatures in Metro Manila are forecast to reach 46 degrees Celsius until Tuesday.

The Health Department, in an advisory, said residents in areas experiencing danger heat index levels should take precautions against heat illnesses including heat cramps and heat exhaustion, which could lead to heat stroke.

PAGASA classifies temperatures from 33-41 degrees Celsius as under “extreme caution” while temperatures of 42 to 51 degrees are considered under “danger level.”

According to PAGASA, areas under  danger heat index levels are Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan and Olongapo City.