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
Morocco hand Harambee Starlets harsh WAFCON reality check
Kenya's long-awaited return to the WAFCON ended in disappointment last night after Harambee Starlets were comfortably beaten 4-0 by hosts Morocco
'Good energy' at Chelsea as Alonso kickstarts reign in Sydney
Xabi Alonso said Monday there was "good energy" at Chelsea as he bids to turn around the club's fortunes, but was reluctant to say what a successful first season would look like.
Kenya suffer 4-0 humiliation to Morocco in WAFCON opener
Kenya's 2026 WAFCON campaign got off to a disappointing start after suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to hosts Morocco in their Group A opening match.
KCB lift 2026 Prinsloo Sevens title
KCB began their National Sevens Circuit title defence in style by beating Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar 19-12 to win the 2026 Prinsloo Sevens title.
Amunga ends Kenya's wait with Commonwealth Bronze in Glasgow
Team Kenya's long-awaited medal breakthrough at the 2026 Commonwealth Games finally arrived on Sunday in Glasgow.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS