Philippine bishops instruct flock to pray for rain, heat relief

A man pours water on his daughter on a hot summer day in Manila, Philippines on Friday, April 26, 2024. - AP

Manila, May 4, 2024 (AFP) - Catholic bishops in the Philippines are pitching in to seek divine relief from the extreme heatwave scorching the country, instructing their flock to recite special prayers for rain and lower temperatures.

Rising temperatures have forced the government to shut down tens of thousands of schools over the past week, while increased demand has stressed the country's already strained power supply.