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
Kimutai, Jerono reign supreme at Kaptagat race
Stephen Kimutai dominated the Kaptagat Forest Marathon on a high-altitude course in the Kaptagat Forest to mark the tenth edition of Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme.
Champs Highway face off with Upper Hill in Nairobi final
Nairobi Region boys’ football defending champions Highway Senior School will on Sunday battle it out in boys’ football final at Jamhuri Senior School.
Wanyonyi eyes glory in London after world record run in Monaco
When the world was waiting to follow the Spain v Belgium World Cup action on Friday night, Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi was entering history books at the Monaco Diamond League meet.
Argentina sink 10-man Swiss to set up blockbuster England World Cup semi-final
Julian Alvarez scored a breathtaking goal as Argentina battled past 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra-time, setting up a mouthwatering World Cup semi-final vs England.
Bellingham heroics edge England past Norway and into World Cup semis
Jude Bellingham was England's hero once more by scoring twice as the Three Lions came from behind to end Norway's historic run and reach the World Cup semi-finals
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS