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
NBA champion player and historic coach Nelson dead at 86
Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history and a five-time champion as a player with the Boston Celtics, died on Sunday, his family announced.
Gritty Kenyans keen to weather Tanzania storm in fight for glory
As the 2026 Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) games, begin on Friday in Morogoro, Kenyan teams are gearing up for battle against their neighbours.
Infantino denies allegations of affair, favouritism while at UEFA: report
FIFA president Gianni Infantino, has been accused by a British newspaper of paying off an alleged lover while at UEFA.
Messi absent after father's death as Miami lose in Leagues Cup
Teams observed a minute of silence before the match for Jorge Messi, who died at age 68 in Argentina.
Kariuki secures victory in Ruiru
Dazzling Elias Kariuki carded 39 stablefold points to take the coveted Overall Gross Winner title at the Unicolour Golf Day held at the Ruiru Sports Club over the weekend.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS