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
Litmus tests for Gor and Tusker as Caf campaign kicks off
Gor Mahia and Tusker begin their continental campaigns today with tough assignments that will test their strength, character and readiness for the new season.
Equity Dumas edge out to take lead in best-of-three play-offs' series
Equity Bank Dumason beat Umoja Basketball Club 68-50 in game one of the best-of-three Men’s Premier League quarter-finals play-offs at Nyayo Gymnasium.
How Malkia Strikers squandered a direct ticket to LA 2028 Olympics
Finishing second-best leaves Kenya facing a brutal, high-stakes tightrope walk through the remaining pathways to the 2028 Olympic Games.
Pyramids wary of Gor Mahia in Nyayo showdown
Pyramids FC captain Mohamed Dudu El Gabbas has warned his teammates not to underestimate Gor Mahia as the Egyptian giants prepare to face the Kenyan champions.
Wanyonyi's record ratified as he got ready for Brussels final
During the historic July moment, Wanyonyi became the first athlete in almost 27 years to break the men’s 1000m world record.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS