South Sudan Schools Set To Reopen After Two Weeks of Intense Heat

On Tuesday, the South Sudanese government announced that schools would resume classes next week after being closed for two weeks due to intense heat across the nation.

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 has experienced adverse effects of climate change in recent years, with extreme heat, flooding and drought reported during different seasons.

During the heat wave last week, the country registered temperatures up to 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit).

Teachers have been encouraged to reduce outdoor activities to early mornings or indoors, ensure proper ventilation in classrooms, offer water during school hours, and keep an eye on children for symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng identified Northern Bahr El-Ghazel, Warrap, Unity, and Upper Nile states as the regions most affected by the extreme heat.

Universities and colleges have continued operating as usual.

Despite warnings from the education ministry, some schools in rural areas have chosen to remain open.

Melissa Enoch

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