- 91 people receive medical help during Undas observance: CDRRMO
THE ALL Saints’ and All Souls’ Day observance ended without a major hitch, although responders had to help 91 people for mostly heat-related illnesses, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) reported.
In an interview with city-run radio, CDRRMO acting head Lyndon Ancajas said that responders monitored and assisted 91 people over three days of deployment at cemeteries.
“Most of the incidents were heat-related, especially given the intense weather,” Ancajas said.
Most had been affected by extreme heat, with complaints that included fainting, difficulty in breathing, and elevated blood pressure, while others suffered minor wounds or weakness.
About six patients were taken to hospitals for further care but have since been discharged.
Responders also handled three grass fires, including at the Ma-a Public Cemetery and in Lubogan, which were likely caused by unattended candles. He said visitors generally followed advisories to avoid the cemeteries during the hottest hours, from about 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
Heat and school activities
Ancajas said the CDRRMO regularly posts heat index updates, considering PAGASA earlier said the El Niño phenomenon could last until March 2027.
On class suspensions, he said the decision can come from either school principals or the local government, depending on conditions.
“A principal may suspend classes on their own if a school is poorly ventilated or overcrowded,” he said.
The city government may step in if PAGASA forecasts extreme heat in the coming days.
He also urged school administrators to avoid outdoor activities, including physical education classes held on open fields, until the heat eases.
Ancajas said heat-mitigation measures have already been discussed for upcoming events, including the Pasko-fiesta celebrations.
He said the city government has begun discussing El Niño mitigation, preparedness, and assistance for the agriculture sector in the City Disaster Council.
“As of now, we can see that the local government is preparing and on top of the mitigation efforts for the upcoming Super El Niño,” he said.
CDRRMO reminded residents to avoid overexposure to the sun, bring umbrellas, stay hydrated, and stay healthy as weather swings between intense heat and sudden evening rain.
