South Sudan’s health and education ministries have ordered schools in the country to be closed indefinitely starting today, Monday 18 March, due to a predicted severe heatwave.

“High temperatures of 41°C-45°C are expected this week,” the authorities said in a statement released on Saturday, 16 March. Due to climate change, heatwaves are not uncommon in the Eastern African region however, temperatures exceeding 40°C are of particular concern.

Experts have estimated that the heatwave could last as long as two weeks, but will continue to monitor the weather readings and adjust their recommendations accordingly.

“Parents are advised to stop their children from playing outdoors,” the statement reads, before revealing that “there are already cases of death related to excessive heat being reported.”

Peter Garang, a resident who lives in the capital of Juba, told several international publications that he believes his government is making the right call, pointing out that most schools are not connected to the local energy grid, and thus would not have access to air conditioning.

Schools have been warned that if they attempt to stay open during the indefinite period, they could see their registration withdrawn.

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