State-run schools in a city in the Philippine capital region have shortened class hours due to extreme heat, the latest measure as sweltering temperatures in Asia raise health risks and present challenges to governments and businesses.
“Our utmost priority will always be the welfare of our children,” Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a statement. “Since the summer heat is too much to bear, especially in classrooms, we welcome the implementation of blended, modular, or shortened class periods for public schools.”
The Philippines has been experiencing scorching spring weather, with the heat index already reaching the “danger” category. The measure, which takes into account air temperature and humidity, is considered at the danger level between 42°C and 51°C.
Photo: REUTERS
The index reached that stage in eight areas of the country on Friday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.
The Southeast Asian nation on Tuesday raised an El Nino alert, forecasting the weather pattern associated with drier conditions and reduced rainfall to emerge from next month, and saying it could persist until the first quarter of next year.
Temperatures have also been climbing across other parts of Asia in the past few months. While this time of year is typically the hottest for parts of Southeast Asia, the soaring heat continues a pattern of severe weather over the past few years that is testing the ability of governments to protect public health and prevent disruptions to recovering economies.
The Quezon City Government said shortened classes would be from 6am to 10:30am for the morning group and 2pm to 6:30pm for the afternoon group.
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