‘Cemeteries had fewer visitors because of heat, long vacation’

Official discourages bonfires, burning trash in cemeteries; Nov. 1 registered 37.5 degrees Celsius at noon

Although nearly deserted because of the scorching heat, the cemeteries still hosted a good number of people Thursday, Nov. 1.

In a Facebook post, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña said the heat index during All Saints’ Day reached 37.5 degrees Celsius at noon, resulting in at least three senior citizens in the public cemeteries in Carreta and Poblacion Pardo requiring medical assistance.

“Security update for Kalag-Kalag 2018: no major incidents to report. The only thing of note is three senior citizens in Carreta, Pardo, and Luz requiring assistance due to heat. As of noontime, the heat index is 37.5 degrees, so please keep especially your young and elderly hydrated and in the shade if possible,” wrote Osmeña.

In a separate interview, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office Chief Nagiel Bañacia said people might prefer to visit at night to avoid the heat.

He also discouraged the public from starting bonfires or burning trash and dead flowers to avoid heating up cemeteries more.

“Please also hydrate before going to the cemeteries and bring umbrellas. If you’re not feeling well or have to take maintenance medicine, please visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to prevent untoward incidents,” Bañacia said.

Meanwhile, City Transportation Office Operations Chief Francisco Ouano said there were no reported road incidents and traffic was still manageable as of 2 p.m. Thursday.

Cebu City Police Office’s Operations Branch Chief Wilbert Parilla said fewer people went to the cemeteries Thursday, Nov. 1, compared to last year. He said this might be because of the long vacation, and people might have visited the cemeteries ahead of time.