2-4-2024 (MANILA) Education officials in the Philippines announced the suspension of in-person classes in hundreds of schools, including dozens in the capital city of Manila, on Tuesday due to hazardous levels of heat.
The country’s heat index, which factors in humidity to determine what the temperature feels like, was projected to reach the “danger” level of 42 degrees Celsius in Manila on Tuesday and 43 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Similar levels were expected in twelve other areas across the nation, according to the state weather forecaster.
Despite the actual highest temperature forecast for Manila on Tuesday being 34 degrees Celsius, primary and secondary schools in Quezon, the most populous part of the city, were instructed to close. Schools in other areas were given the option by local authorities to transition to remote learning.
To mitigate the effects of the scorching heat, some schools in Manila opted to shorten class hours to avoid the hottest part of the day.
According to the weather forecaster, a heat index of 42-51 degrees Celsius can lead to heat cramps and heat exhaustion, with the likelihood of heat stroke increasing with prolonged exposure. Heat-related ailments such as cramps and exhaustion are also possible at temperatures ranging from 33-41 degrees Celsius.
In addition to Manila, local officials in various areas of the southern island of Mindanao suspended in-person classes or reduced school hours over the past two weeks. Rea Halique, a spokeswoman for the regional education department, stated that the directives impacted numerous schools in the provinces of Cotabato, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat, as well as the cities of Cotabato, General Santos, and Koronadal.
Cotabato city, situated in Mindanao, recorded the highest heat index in the region, reaching 42 degrees Celsius on both Monday and Tuesday, according to the state forecaster.
