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
Murkomen: We shall protect young athletes against doping
The fight against doping will take centre stage during this year’s Mashujaa Day sporting tournament, as the government seeks to protect young athletes from exploitation.
Ng'etich wins gold in Copenhagen
Agnes Ng’etich wins the women’s half marathon at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, sets a new women-only world record of 1:05:15
Arsenal thrashed by Brighton, sorry Spurs lose again
Arsenal's perfect start to their Premier League title defense came off the rails in a 3-0 trouncing by Brighton, while Tottenham remain winless after a 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa.
SPL postponement leaves Kenyan football in fresh crisis
Some clubs had already travelled to their venues for matches that will now not be played.
SPL conundrum: Premier league kickoff in jeopardy
The 2026/27 SportPesa Premier League kickoff has been thrown into fresh uncertainty after the High Court ordered that Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United play a promotion-relegation playoff.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS