Holy Week penitents in Luzon warned vs intense heat

Health execs tell public to avoid sun exposure with heat index rising to 40 degrees Celsius in Catanduanes, Olongapo

VIRAC, CATANDUANES—As hot and humid weather prevailed in a large part of Luzon since Monday, authorities reminded the public who would be joining the Holy Week penitential walks and other spiritual activities of adverse health effects if they stayed out too long under the sun.

Catanduanes has been experiencing light to heavy rain ranging from three to four hours since Monday that lowered the temperature but the heat remained intense due to the prevailing El Niño phenomenon, said Juan Pantino Jr., chief of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in the province, by phone on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the province’s heat index reached 40.6 degrees Celsius at 11 a.m. and it is expected to become higher in the next few days.

On Tuesday, the Department of Health (DOH) advised the public to wear comfortable clothes during stations of the cross, and Visita Iglesia, a religious tradition observed every Holy Week where the faithful visit and pray in seven different churches.

Bring water

The DOH said the public must bring water and food and avoid direct exposure to the sun.

Dr. Rosa Maria Rempillo, the assistant regional director of the DOH in Bicol, said that those who would like to join penitential activities should ensure that their bodies are ready.

In Olongapo City, the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office warned residents against prolonged exposure to the sun, noting that the city’s heat index was already nearing the danger level at 41 degrees Celsius and staying outdoors could lead to exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat index measures the discomfort an average person feels due to the combined effects of temperature and air humidity, Pagasa said.

Temperatures ranging from 42 to 51 degrees Celsius are already classified as a “danger” level.

—JOANNA ROSE AGLIBOT NEARLY DESERTED Amid health concerns due to the rising heat index in many parts of the country, the coastline of Barangay Barretto, Olongapo City, that is usually filled with beach goers, only has a few swimmers in this photo taken on Wednesday.