Heat index in Catbalogan, Samar may hit 56°C next week — PAGASA

The maximum heat index in Catbalogan City, Samar, may hit 56°C as health experts ask the public to stay safe amid rising temperatures this dry season.

According to Vonne Aquino’s report on “24 Oras Weekend” on Saturday, PAGASA said the heat index in Catbalogan is expected to reach 56°C on April 25. It will slightly drop to 51°C on April 26.

The Department of Health warned that high temperatures can cause heat stress and heat stroke.

"Yung heat stress at heat exhaustion, pawis na pawis tayo niyan. Mauuhaw po tayo niyan. 'Yung iba maaaring himatayin. Pero yung heat stroke, nako, wala ka nang pawis non," said DOH Undersecretary Eric Tayag in a Super Radyo dzBB interview. 

“Pula-pula na yung balat mo tapos maaari kang makuhanan ng temperature at lalagpas ng 40°C ‘yun at para ka nang nahihibang,” he added.

To prevent heat stress and heat stroke, the DOH urged the public to drink water, use umbrellas when outside of their homes, and get some rest.

Hospitalization due to heat stroke and heat exhaustion is covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

"Mayroon tayong package na P6,500. ‘Yan po ay para na po sa hospital charges at kasama 'yung benefits para doon sa attending physician," said PhilHealth corporate communications department senior manager Rey Baleña. —Sherylin Untalan/VBL, GMA Integrated News