Schools to reopen in South Sudan after two weeks of extreme heat

Africa
By VOA | Mar 27, 2024
People stand by their houses in Juba, South Sudan, on Feb. 5, 2023, during a heatwave. [AP Photo]

South Sudan's government on Tuesday said schools will reopen next week following a two-week closure due to extreme heat across the country.

The health and education ministries said temperatures were expected to steadily drop with the rainy season set to begin in the coming days.

South Sudan in recent years has experienced adverse effects of climate change, with extreme heat, flooding and drought reported during different seasons.

During the heatwave last week, the country registered temperatures up to 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit).

Teachers have been urged to minimize playground activities to early morning or indoors, ventilate classrooms, provide water during school time and monitor children for signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng singled out Northern Bahr El-Ghazel, Warrap, Unity and Upper Nile states as the most-affected areas.

Higher learning institutions have remained open.

Some schools in rural areas also have continued despite a warning from the education ministry.

Share this story
World Cup winner Spain bag Sh6.5 billion
Spain hoisted a trophy, received championship rings for the first time, and gained a lifetime of glory in what will be a defining moment in the country’s sports history.
'The last of Messi': Argentines mourn loss and end of an era
Nervous excitement turned into anguished groans and tears as Argentines' hope of yet another epic comeback led by Lionel Messi in the World Cup fizzled out against Spain.
Plane carrying Spain's World Cup winning team lands in Madrid
A plane carrying Spain's newly crowned World Cup champions landed in Madrid, a day after their 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final in the United States.
Teen dies during Spain World Cup celebrations
A teenager died and several people were injured during celebrations of Spain's victory in the World Cup after a fountain onto collapsed in the west of the country
Spanish World Cup celebrations detected by seismic sensors after final goal
Spain's World Cup celebrations were not just heard across the country -- they were felt underground.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS