The scorching heatwave in the Philippines has forced thousands of schools to suspend in-person classes as the country grapples with extreme temperatures exacerbated by the El Nino weather phenomenon.
With the heat index reaching dangerous levels in several cities and municipalities, authorities are urging people to limit their time outdoors, stay hydrated, and take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
The Department of Education has announced the suspension of in-person classes in nearly 6,700 schools, while the state weather forecaster warns of a 50 percent chance of the heat intensifying in the coming days.
The impact of climate change is evident in the Philippines, with around half of the country’s provinces officially in drought. The northern municipality of Aparri recorded a scorching heat index of 48C, the highest in the country, while the capital Manila saw temperatures soaring to 45C.
As global temperatures continue to rise, the Philippines remains one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The need for adaptation and mitigation measures is more pressing than ever as extreme weather events become more frequent and intense.
Stay tuned for more updates on the heatwave and its impact on the Philippines.