Beneficiaries faint due to heat on ayuda queue

Amid sweltering heat, several beneficiaries at a cash assistance distribution in Benguet, Abra experienced fainting spells and dizziness. 

According to Oscar Oida’s “24 Oras” report Thursday, thousands of beneficiaries crowded a sports complex to claim financial assistance.

Medical personnel deployed in the area immediately responded to those who fainted and those who needed medical assistance. 

“Hindi sila kumain sa umaga kaya nahilo. Dahil sa init na rin ng panahon. Tapos nagtutulakan sila at hindi nasunod ang pila,” said Philippine Red Cross Abra administrator Jhing Bernal. 

At least 700 cops, military, and marshalls were also stationed at the sports complex to ensure public safety at the cash assistance distribution. 

Meanwhile, the  Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) implemented additional measures to protect enforcers from the high heat including frequent water supply distribution. 

“Part po niyan is to make sure na yung mga field personnel namin, mga traffic enforcer during this summer is nasa magandang kalagayan,” said MMDA  Traffic Discipline Office Director for Enforcement Victor Nuñez.

Weather bureau PAGASA said the ongoing El Niño phenomenon is weakening but warned the country may continue to experience high heat index in the coming months. 

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

“42ºC. It will still reach about 43ºC sa Roxas and then 42ºC sa Iloilo and Dumaas.  Pagdating ng April at May mas mataas pa talaga ang heat index,” PAGASA Climatologist Marcelino Villafuerte said. 

On Tuesday, PAGASA recorded a heat index of 42ºC in Tuguegararao City, Cagayan, well within the “danger” level. 

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.

Earlier, the state weather bureau issued a La Niña Watch alert as the phenomenon may start to develop in June.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News