EXTREME HEAT RESULTING TO CLASS SUSPENSION AND ILLNESSES

Class suspension due to extreme heat (Photo courtesy of Jonathan Cellona/ABS-CBN News)

The cancellation of face-to-face classes has been extended in some areas due to the fear of heat intensification in the next few days. The Department of Health (DOH) has reported more than 30 cases of heat related illnesses, of which six have died.

Several schools have implemented alternative learning to protect students and school personnel from the extreme heat. According to the Department of Education (DepEd), almost 6,700 or 14% of the more than 47,000 schools in the country have implemented an alternative delivery mode of teaching because of the suspension of in person classes. Most of them are in Central Luzon, Western Visayas, and Ilocos Region.

DOH Spokesperson Asec. Albert Domingo  stated, "Heat related illnesses affects all ages, only the elderly and the young are more vulnerable, but even those who are physically fit, should still be careful in the extreme heat."

The DOH has recorded 34 cases of heat related illnesses, six of which have died but the actual cause is still unknown.

"Sometimes there is what is called heat influence, this is the heart attack because the hotter the weather, the higher the blood pressure. So strictly speaking it's not heat stroke but it's heat influence," Domingo added.

The DOH reminded the public, make it a habit to drink water, rest and avoid heavy activities when outside the house. Avoid repetitive movements which will cause increased heart rate because it means more sweating. It is better to exercise in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid heatstroke.

The State of Calamity has been declared in Solsona Ilocos Norte and Iloilo City, Maguindanao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat, and eight towns in Soccsksargen due to the extreme heat and lack of water.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer

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