Davao City responders aid 91 people during Undas, most for heat-related conditions

Emergency responders in Davao City assisted 91 people during the three-day Undas period, with most cases linked to the heat, according to SunStar.

Lyndon Leovic Ancajas, acting head of the Local Emergency Communications and Response Division of Davao City Central 911, said on Davao City Disaster Radio on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, that the observance was generally peaceful and no major incidents were recorded. "Majority, tungod gyud sa kainit (The majority were really because of the heat)," he said.

Ancajas said many of those assisted felt faint, dizzy or weak, or had high blood pressure due to the heat, while others had minor wounds. About six people were taken to hospitals as a precaution; some have been discharged and others were awaiting discharge.

On Nov. 2, the city's heat index reached 40.1°C as of 2 p.m., within the "extreme caution" level where heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) said, citing Pagasa data.

Responders also dealt with three grass fires at the Ma-a Public Cemetery and in Lubogan, which Ancajas attributed to unattended candles. Separately, the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee in Mintal reported a grass fire at the Mintal Public Cemetery at around 12:18 p.m. on Nov. 2. Barangay responders and the Bureau of Fire Protection Mintal Fire Station put it out after a resident reported smoke.

With El Niño expected to last until early 2027, Ancajas said the CDRRMO issues heat index advisories at regular intervals so schools can monitor conditions. He said both local governments and school principals can suspend classes: principals may act if a school is crowded or poorly ventilated, while local governments may act when forecasts show extreme heat. He added there is no one-size-fits-all rule.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has begun discussing mitigation, preparedness and response measures for El Niño, with agriculture expected to be hit hardest, Ancajas said. City Administrator Atty. Francis Mark Layog, on behalf of the mayor, has ordered follow-up meetings to track progress. Heat mitigation measures for large events have also been put in place, he said.

Ancajas reminded residents to keep emergency supplies good for at least 72 hours and to carry umbrellas, as hot afternoons may give way to sudden heavy rain.