ILOILO — Heat index levels in Iloilo province and city have surged to the “danger” category, prompting the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) to warn residents against prolonged exposure to extreme heat as cases of heat exhaustion and possible heat stroke become a growing concern.
Over the past weeks, the heat index in Iloilo City and various parts of Iloilo province ranged from 42 degrees Celsius to as high as 51 degrees Celsius — levels classified by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) as dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
“Lately daw nag-suffer sang kainit sang panahon ang iban sa aton. Daw indi na gid kagwa sa ila panimalay. Bisan pa gani sa sulod sang balay, tam-an gid kainit, kapa-ang nga daw kabudlay na mag ginhawa,” said IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon.
Quiñon urged Ilonggos to remain hydrated at all times by drinking plenty of water, ideally six to eight glasses daily or as much as eight to 10 glasses during extremely hot conditions.
However, she reminded residents with medical conditions such as kidney disease or congestive heart failure to regulate water intake according to their doctor’s prescription.
The IPHO also advised the public to avoid or minimize consumption of energy drinks and coffee, saying these may trigger frequent urination that could lead to dehydration.
Quiñon emphasized that individuals with underlying illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, or those vulnerable to heat stroke and heat exhaustion should take their maintenance medicines before leaving their homes.
The provincial health chief also explained emergency measures for individuals who suddenly collapse or become dizzy due to heat exposure.
“Kinahanglan mag-inum gid kita sang maintenance medication antes magwa sa aton panimalay kag kon may makita nga pasyente nga gulpi lang natumba, nalipong or exposed sa heat sang sun, gilayon ibutang sa area nga mahandung or may electric fan and pisikan sang water or butangan water sa armpits as emergency measure,” Quiñon said.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) categorizes heat index levels as follows:
* 27°C to 32°C — Caution: Fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure
* 33°C to 41°C — Extreme Caution: Heat cramps and heat exhaustion may occur
* 42°C to 51°C — Danger: Heat exhaustion is likely and prolonged exposure may lead to heat stroke
* 52°C and above — Extreme Danger: Heat stroke is highly likely and considered a medical emergency
PAGASA defines heat index as the measure of how high humidity combines with elevated temperatures, reducing the body’s ability to cool itself effectively./PN
