Severe heat scorches the Philippines, causing authorities to warn people to limit outdoor activities and many schools to temporarily suspend in-person teaching.
March-May is usually the driest and hottest period in the Philippines, but this year’s heat is more severe due to the influence of the El Nino phenomenon.
“It’s so hot I can’t breathe,” said Erlin Tumaron, 60, who works at a coastal resort in Cavite province, south of the capital Manila, where the heat index reached 47 degrees Celsius on April 23.
The heat index is an index combining the actual temperature and relative humidity in the air, which is the actual level of heat people feel.
“It’s surprising that our pool is empty. You would think people would come to swim in weather like this, but it seems they don’t want to leave their homes because of the heat,” Tumaron added.
The Philippine weather forecast agency previously warned that the heat index would rise to dangerous levels, from 42 degrees Celsius or higher, in at least 30 cities and towns across the country on April 24.
People use hand fans to cool off while walking on the streets of Manila, Philippines, April 24. Image: AFP
Meteorological expert Ana Solis predicts there is a 50% chance that heat will increase in the coming days. She advised people to limit outdoor time, drink plenty of water and bring umbrellas and hats if going out.
According to Solis, the El Nino phenomenon is the cause of extreme heat affecting many areas of the country. About half of the Philippines’ provinces have been hit by drought. The town of Aparri in the north of the country recorded a heat index of 48 degrees Celsius on April 23 and 45 degrees Celsius on April 24.
“The weather was really hot,” said Eric Vista, a local disaster response official, adding that the rain on April 23 cooled the town somewhat, but the heat returned the next day. .
In the capital Manila, the heat caused many schools to switch to online learning. The heat index here reached 45 degrees Celsius on April 23 and 44 degrees Celsius on April 24.
Global temperatures were at record highs last year. The United Nations weather and climate agency on April 23 warned that Asia is warming rapidly. The Philippines is ranked among the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change.
Ngoc Anh (According to AFP)
Tags: heat scorching Philippines
