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
Sharks hold Gor as APS Bomet disarm Ulinzi
Gor Mahia’s title charge has been slowed down after relegation-fighting Kariobangi Sharks held the leaders to a 0-0 draw
How Baringo grannies are reclaiming life, one kick at a time
Some of the grandmothers could not walk without the help of a walking stick but now they are playing football.
Why champions Butere Girls is the team to beat
Butere Girls head into the tournament as the team to beat, having won the national title for the last three years.  
St Charles Lwanga chase a double at national games in Kisumu
St Charles have over the years morphed into a regional hockey powerhouse and are gradually becoming a household name in Kenya and East Africa.
Gor Mahia hoping to avoid Sharks bite as they seek to maintain lead
Only four points separate leaders Gor Mahia from rivals AFC Leopards.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS