Due to an intense heatwave with temperatures expected to reach up to 45°C (113°F), the government of South Sudan has issued a mandate for the indefinite closure of all schools.
In addition, health and education officials are advising parents to limit their children’s outdoor activities as the scorching conditions may persist for up to two weeks.
“There are already cases of deaths related to excessive heat being reported,” authorities said in a statement on Saturday.
They said that the country was experiencing “extended periods of high day and night-time temperatures that create cumulative physiological stress on the human body”.
Any school found open from Monday would have its registration withdrawn, the authorities warned.
Last week, at least 15 children were reported to have died of meningitis and other heat-related illnesses, according to the health ministry.
