THE CITY Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) reminded Davaoeños and tourists alike to take necessary precautions against the extreme heat due to El Niño.
The reminder came in light of various activities for the Araw ng Dabaw, so participants and competitors are advised to use sun protection.
Citing the Pagasa El Niño Advisory stating the dry season is expected to last until May this year.
CDRRMO chief Alfredo Baloran said “Our heat index is very high; it is very hot. That is the advisory for the public especially since we have activities for the Araw ng Dabaw.”
“Everyone must always stay hydrated, especially the ones participating in events that are directly under the heat of the sun- those in the field,” he added.
Participants and merrymakers are advised to limit sun exposure to avoid sunburn or hives and to prevent even more serious health risks such as heatstroke and skin cancer.
CDRRMO-911 responders, he added, have been deployed to key areas of the festivities to respond to emergencies caused by the extreme heat.
Baloran said foot medics, ambulances, and BDRRMC personnel trained to respond to medical emergencies are always close to areas of convergence for Araw ng Dabaw.
“Our medical teams are there. We deployed them especially to events directly exposed to the sun and to events that require physical contact,” Baloran said.
The CDRRMO also advised the public to take extra measures for the weather as rain showers have also been experienced amid the extreme heat.
“Ang atong pahimangno is init during the daytime but in the afternoon naay scattered rain showers and localized thunderstorms. Slowly, nagasulod na pud ang La Niña, so we are preparing (Our reminder is that it is hot during the daytime, and in the afternoon there are scattered rain showers and localized thunderstorms … Slowly the La Niña is coming so we are also preparing [for that]),” Baloran added.
The public is urged to follow the CDRRMO Facebook page for timely weather advisories: https://www.facebook.com/DavaoDRRMO
