South Sudan close schools due to extreme heat

South Sudan is closing all schools starting Monday due to extreme heat in the country. 

The government has advised parents to keep children indoors as temperatures are expected to soar up to 45 degrees Celsius, the health ministry warned on Saturday. 

The heat wave is expected to last at least two weeks. 

The education ministry announced strong penalties for schools that go against the directive including withdrawal of licenses. 

The health and education ministries noted that they will inform the public on the next steps as they monitor the situation. 

The World Food Program in its country brief noted that South Sudan continues to face dire humanitarian crisis due to climate change, violence and influx of people fleeing from conflict in neighbouring Sudan. Over 818,000 vulnerable people were given food and cash-based transfers in January 2024.

The communique from the ministers in South Sudan