Iloilo extends suspension of flag raising ceremonies until April amid extreme heat

The suspension of flag raising ceremonies in Iloilo City government has been extended until April due to the continuing threat of high heat index in the area.

Mayor Jerry Treñas extended the effectiveness of the earlier suspension under Executive Order No. 41-A, which only covered this month.

“Iloilo City continues to experience a heat index of 40 degrees Celsius, which is classified as a level of ‘Extreme Caution’ and heat indices under this category which is 31 °C to 41°C can lead to heat cramps and heat exhaustion,” Treñas said.

Citing the National Weather Service, the mayor said exposure to direct sunlight can increase the heat index. With heat index higher than around 39 °C, he said it can lead to dangerous heat disorders.

Employees who have health concerns, conditions or illnesses due to prolonged exposure to sunlight must be given consideration, especially the elderly as the heat index increases, he added.

Heat index is the measure of the temperature that a person feels, which is different from the actual air temperature, PAGASA said. It is computed by factoring in the humidity as well as the air temperature.

Based on the forecast of state weather bureau PAGASA, at least seven areas in the country will experience danger level heat index at  42°C on Wednesday.

These areas are San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Masbate City, Masbate; CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur; Roxas City and Mambusao, Capiz; Cotabato City, Maguindanao; and Iloilo City, Iloilo.

Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely in areas experiencing a danger level heat index, which is from 42 to 51 degrees Celsius, according to PAGASA. Heat stroke is also possible with continued exposure. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News