As South Sudan braces for a blistering heatwave, with forecasts predicting temperatures reaching a sweltering 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit), the government has taken the extraordinary step of closing all schools nationwide. This precautionary measure, announced by the health and education ministries, aims to shield children from the severe conditions expected to last for an unstated duration from Monday.
Authorities have not been light-handed in their warnings, stressing that any educational institution found operating during this period will face severe repercussions, including the potential withdrawal of their registration. In a statement released late Saturday, the ministries underscored the severity of the situation: “The health and education ministries have advised parents to keep all children indoors as temperatures are expected to soar to 45C (113F). They warned that any school found open during the warning period would have its registration withdrawn.”
The response from locals, particularly in the capital, Juba, has been largely supportive. Juba resident Peter Garang echoed the sentiments of many when he advocated for better infrastructure to combat the heat, saying, “schools should be connected to the electricity grid” to allow for the installation of air conditioning units.
South Sudan’s vulnerability to climate change is well-documented, with this looming heatwave serving as a stark reminder of the extreme weather patterns that have become more common. Despite frequently experiencing high temperatures, the nation seldom witnesses the mercury rising above 40C (104F). Yet, these occurrences are becoming increasingly frequent and intense, reflecting a global trend of escalating climate change impacts.
The country, which gained independence in 2011, is already grappling with the aftermath of civil conflict, and the added burdens of drought and flooding have only intensified the struggle for survival. These challenges are compounded by a “dire humanitarian crisis,” as described by the World Food Programme, with violence, economic instability, and climate change pushing vast numbers of vulnerable people to the brink. In January alone, the World Food Programme reported that “818,000 vulnerable people were given food and cash-based transfers.”
The ongoing crisis is exacerbated by an influx of people fleeing conflict in neighboring Sudan, adding to the strain on South Sudan’s resources and infrastructure. As heatwaves like this become more common, the ability of the country to respond effectively to these environmental challenges, in conjunction with its existing socio-political issues, will be severely tested.
Relevant articles:
– South Sudan closes schools in preparation for 45C heatwave
– South Sudan shutters all schools as it prepares for an extreme heat wave, The Associated Press, Mon, 18 Mar 2024 02:22:00 GMT
– South Sudan shutters all schools as it prepares for an extreme heat wave, Firstpost, Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:22:54 GMT
– South Sudan government shuts down all schools due to an extreme heat wave, Alwast News, Mon, 18 Mar 2024 01:13:39 GMT