The Southeast Asian nation of the Philippines is grappling with scorching temperatures reaching a staggering 50 degrees Celsius, prompting authorities to suspend physical classes in educational institutions for two days due to the severe heatwave. Online teaching will continue to ensure educational continuity across the country.

According to international media reports, various parts of the Philippines are experiencing extreme temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius, attributed to El-Nino weather conditions prevalent from March to May. The intense heat has placed significant strain on electricity infrastructure, raising concerns about potential disruptions to water and power supplies.

The soaring temperatures pose multifaceted challenges, potentially impacting agricultural productivity and business operations. However, the most immediate concern lies with the well-being of students, as prolonged exposure to extreme heat can have adverse health effects.

The blistering heatwave has persisted since last month, reaching unprecedented levels this month. In response, 13 power plants in the country were forced to shut down at the onset of the month, exacerbating concerns about energy supply and infrastructure resilience. While the meteorological department forecasts a slight decrease in temperatures to around 37 degrees Celsius over the next two days, the heat index is expected to remain dangerously high, posing risks of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses, prompting health authorities to issue warnings and advisories to the public.