The Government of South Sudan has announced the closure of all schools for at least two weeks due to an extreme heatwave affecting Juba and other parts of the country.
Temperatures are expected to rise between 39 and 42 degrees Celsius in the coming days, prompting concerns for public health and safety.
The decision followed recommendations from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry after reports emerged that students were collapsing due to the severe heat.
Minister of Environment and Forestry, Josephine Napwon, confirmed that President Salva Kiir had approved emergency measures to mitigate the risks posed by the extreme weather conditions.
“The approval was given by the President based on the advice from the Minister of Environment and Forestry and the issuance of a heatwave advisory by the Minister of Health,” Napwon stated.
The Ministry of Education has indicated that schools could reopen in the second week of March, depending on improvements in weather conditions.
“The Minister of Education is to close schools for a period of two weeks or more, and they will be reopened when cooler temperatures return. The Ministry is considering reopening schools in the second week of March instead of February, based on weather changes,” she added.
Additionally, the government has directed that public offices will operate on a half-day basis to reduce employees’ exposure to extreme heat.
“Government institutions should operate at least on a half-day basis for the next two weeks or more,” the minister noted.
The Ministry of Health has also issued a public advisory urging citizens to take precautions against the escalating heatwave.
Residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and remain indoors during peak heat hours.
This is not the first time South Sudan has taken such measures. In March last year, a similar directive was issued when temperatures soared to 45°c leading to the temporary closure of schools.
