MANILA, Philippines — A total of 34 areas across the country registered “dangerous” peak heat indices or above 42ºC (degrees Celsius), said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Tuesday. According to Pagasa, heat index refers to the “measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.”ADVERTISEMENTA heat index ranging from 42ºC to 51ºC is considered part of the “danger category.”Once it reaches this point, the risk for various heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke during continued exposure increases. Based on Pagasa’s latest computed heat index, Maasin, Southern Leyte registered the highest peak heat index on Tuesday at 49ºC. In Metro Manila, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in Pasay City logged a peak heat index of 43ºC. Based on Pagasa’s latest computed heat index, the following areas registered a heat index of or above 42ºC:Maasin, Southern Leyte – 49ºC Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 47ºC Roxas City, Capiz – 47ºC Catarman, Northern Samar – 46ºC Dumangas, Iloilo – 45ºC Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 44 Bacnotan, La Union – 44ºC ISU Echague, Isabela – 44ºC Iba, Zambales – 44ºC Sangley Point, Cavite – 44ºC Alabat, Quezon – 44ºC Cuyo, Palawan – 44ºC Iloilo City, Iloilo – 44ºC Catbalogan, Samar – 44ºC Tacloban City, Leyte – 44ºC Borongan, Eastern Samar – 44ºC Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 44º Calapan, Oriental Mindoro – 43ºC Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 43ºC Aborlan, Palawan – 43ºC Daet, Camarines Norte – 43ºC Legazpi City, Albay – 43ºC Masbate City, Masbate – 43ºC Juban, Sorsogon – 43ºC Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 43ºC Naia Pasay City, Metro Manila – 42ºC Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 42ºC CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 42ºC Baler (Radar), Aurora – 42ºC Casiguran, Aurora – 42ºC Cubi Pt., Subic Bay Olongapo City – 42ºC Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas – 42ºC San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 42ºC Mactan International Airport, Cebu – 42ºCREAD: Red Cross reminds public to stay hydrated amid high heat indexIn cases of emergency, Pagasa reminded the public to do the following:Move the person to a shady spot and lie him/her down with legs elevatedIf conscious, have them sip cool waterRemove clothing, apply cool water to the skin and provide ventilationApply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groinBring to a hospital immediately

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer June 05, 2024 02:17 UTC