South Sudan Closes Schools As Heatwave Worsens

By Debora Akur Chol, South Sudan

South Sudan has announced the closure of all schools for two weeks, beginning Friday, February 21, 2025, as the country contends with an intensifying heatwave.

This move follows reports that 12 students collapsed during school hours in the capital, Juba, due to the extreme temperatures.

This is not the first time the government has taken such action. Last March, schools were closed for a similar duration as temperatures soared above 40°C (104°F).

A high-level meeting was held on Thursday in Juba, chaired by Vice President for the Service Cluster, Josephine Joseph Lagu, to address the growing crisis. Officials from the Ministries of Health, Environment, and Education presented detailed reports on the heatwave’s impact.

Josephine Napwon Cosmos, Minister of Environment and Forestry, warned that temperatures could reach 39-42°C (102-108°F) or even higher this week.

She confirmed that schools would remain closed until conditions improve, with the potential for the reopening to be delayed until the second week of March, depending on weather patterns.

“Public institutions will also operate on a half-day schedule for the next two weeks. Extreme heat poses significant health risks, especially for children,” Napwon said.

Ayaa Benjamin Warille, Acting Minister of Health, advised parents to keep their children indoors and urged the public to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. She also stressed the need for proper hydration.

“Drink plenty of water, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to hydrate,” Warille emphasized.

South Sudan, one of the youngest nations globally, remains highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. While heatwaves are not unusual, temperatures typically do not exceed 40°C (104°F).

The nation has endured years of civil conflict, coupled with recurring droughts and floods, which have significantly disrupted living conditions and strained resources.