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
Gor Mahia prepare for stern CAF Champions League test against African giants Pyramids
Gor Mahia will begin their latest CAF Champions League campaign with perhaps their toughest test to date, a meeting with reigning African champions Pyramids FC
Hunt for glory as stars descend on Brussels for Diamond League trophies
A lot will be at stake as global stars converge in Brussels tomorrow and Saturday for the finals of the 2026 Diamond League circuit in Brussels, Belgium.
McCarthy's Harambee Stars squad selection questioned again
McCarthy unveiled his squad as Kenya prepares to open its PAMOJA 2027 qualifying campaign against Eritrea and Guinea.
Battle of the titans as African volleyball supremacy reaches fever pitch
As the 2026 Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) African Women’s Championship enters the penultimate stage at the Kasarani Indoor Arena today
Kenya's athletics legends nominated for 2026 National Heroes honours
12 Kenyan athletes and sports personalities have been proposed for recognition as National Heroes this year.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS