Today's Edition
Juba (AFP)
South Sudan on Saturday said it would close schools and told children not to play outside as temperatures were set to soar to an exceptional 45 degrees Celsius.
Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in the East African country, which is particularly vulnerable to climate change, but temperatures rarely exceed 40°C.
"High temperatures of 41-45°C are expected this week," the ministries of education, health and environment said in a statement, adding that the heatwave was expected to last "at least two weeks".
"There are already cases of death related to excessive heat being reported," they added, without giving further details.
The government will close all schools from March 18 due to the "serious health hazards" posed to students.
"Parents are advised to stop their children from playing outdoors," the statement added, saying young children in particular should be monitored for signs of heatstroke.
Episodes of drought and increasingly extreme rainfall are adding to already difficult living conditions in South Sudan.
Scientists say that recurring heatwaves are a clear marker of global warming and that these heatwaves are set to become more frequent and longer.
