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
Concept behind new tyre technology shaping racing in Naivasha
This new tyre has been selected by 90 per cent of drivers from day one, having been engineered with an optimised compound that enhances low-temperature flexibility.
WRC 2026 Safari Rally: Speedster Leonardo Varese proves to be fans' favourite in Naivasha
The six-time 2WD national champion Leonardo Varese has plans to go for the jugular in the main WRC categories in the coming seasons.
Takamoto describes the Kedong' Two puncture as his worst in WRC Safari Rally
Japanese speedster Takamoto Katsuta has described the twin punctures he sustained on his two front wheels at Kedong' Two as his worst in his WRC Safari Rally career.
Why rain is a driver's worst nightmare at the WRC 2026 Safari Rally
Rain turns the 2026 Safari Rally into a grueling challenge, testing drivers’ skills on Kenya’s toughest WRC stages.
Leopards aim to close gap on leaders Gor Mahia
AFC Leopards will aim to narrow the gap on SportPesa Premier League leaders Gor Mahia when they face Mathare United at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS