South Sudan has issued a directive to close all schools in preparation for an impending heatwave, with temperatures expected to soar to an unprecedented 45C (113F).
Authorities have advised children to stay indoors as the extreme weather is anticipated to persist for at least two weeks. Already, there have been reported deaths “related to excessive heat.”
Parts of the capital, Juba, experienced power cuts as temperatures reached 41C (106F), significantly earlier than usual for South Sudan, where such high temperatures typically occur only during the summer months.
The closure of schools was announced by the ministries of education, health, and environment due to the “serious health hazards” posed by the scorching heat.
Residents in South Sudan are grappling with the intense heat, affecting daily activities and work routines.
Medical facilities have observed a rise in admissions due to heat-related issues since the onset of the high temperatures.
The heatwave has particularly impacted Muslims observing Ramadan, as fasting prohibits them from drinking water or other fluids during daylight hours.
This situation adds to the challenges faced by residents already dealing with the extreme heat.
The heatwave in South Sudan is part of a broader trend of rising temperatures globally, exacerbated by phenomena like El Niño, which disrupts weather patterns and leads to extreme weather events.
While some relief is expected with possible storms in the southern region and predicted wetter conditions in the coming months, there are concerns about potential flooding and other consequences of the changing climate.
Source-BBC
