A delivery rider in Zamboanga City fainted due to extreme heat afternoon on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Residents saw the rider sitting in the middle of the road in Barangay San Roque beside his fallen motorcycle and scattered parcels after he reportedly passed out.

Personnel from the barangay responded, gave the rider water to drink, and moved him to the side of the road.

The rider was then brought to the health center for assessment.

According to a barangay official, the rider has been fasting while working, which may have contributed to his condition, along with the intense heat.

State weather bureau PAGASA said the heat index experienced in the city at that time reached 37 degrees Celsius, which falls under “extreme caution” category.”

Under this classification, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible, especially during prolonged exposure to the sun.

“Medyo nasa category na ito ng extreme caution wherein maaaring maranasan ang heat cramps at heat exhaustion lalo na kapag patuloy ang activity sa nakababad sa mainit na araw,” PAGASA Zambaonga Chief Meteorological Officer, Rodel Inclan, said.

The heat index represents how hot conditions feel to the human body by factoring in both air temperature and relative humidity.

PAGASA added that the heat index may rise further in the coming days and advised residents to take precautions such as using umbrellas, drinking plenty of water, and limiting outdoor activities.

“Mostly, for protection natin, kailangan ng payong, laging uminom ng tubig and if possible, i-lessen ang activity sa labas. Actually, patuloy kaming nagmo-monitor dito sa aming station ng mga temperature at weather conditions. Ugaliin na bumisita sa official website natin para sa ibang information,” Inclan said.