Heat threat, forces schools to shift to online classes

Mindanao State University (MSU) in General Santos, Philippines has suspended face-toface classes due to the warned of scorching heat index levels as high as 59°C by the state weather agency, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Due to the rising temperatures caused by the upcoming El Niño phenomenon, all levels of learning in MSU will now be conducted online, starting from Monday, March 27, until March 31 to protect stu- dents and teachers from the heat threat.

Any campus activities that require physical presence from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm have also been called off.

PAGASA has forecast that the local heat index level could reach 36°C to 59°C on Monday; 35°C to 53°C on Tuesday, March 28; and 35°C to a maximum of 55°C on Wednesday, March 29.

Nevertheless, MSU’s health department has cautioned students and their parents about the risks