TACLOBAN CITY, May 2 -- For the first time, the city government here has suspended classes at all levels in public schools for two days due to scorching heat.

In an executive order on Thursday, Mayor Alfred Romualdez said the local government decided to suspend classes on May 2 and 3 as the heat index may reach 46C.

"Presently, Tacloban City is suffering from the effects of the high heat index caused by El Nino and the summer season... The heat index chart indicates that temperatures between 42 and 51C, labeled as dangerous, can potentially cause heat cramps and exhaustion, with a heightened risk of heat stroke during continued activity," he said.

The directive has also affected classes in major state universities based in the city.

T...