South Sudan faces a severe heatwave, prompting authorities to order the closure of all schools as temperatures soar to an unprecedented 45°C (113°F).
Authorities have urged residents, especially children, to remain indoors as the extreme weather conditions are expected to persist for at least two weeks. Reports of fatalities attributed to excessive heat have already surfaced.
In the capital city of Juba, where temperatures reached 41°C (106°F), residents grappled with power outages, depriving them of essential cooling mechanisms such as electric fans.
The scorching heat has forced schools to shut down, disrupting educational activities for students. While the closure duration remains unspecified, officials indicate a potential resumption of classes on April 3rd following a briefing with authorities.
Medical facilities have reported an influx of patients suffering from heat-related ailments, underscoring the health risks posed by the soaring temperatures.
Residents have adapted to cope with the oppressive heat, resorting to measures such as consuming ample water, wearing lightweight clothing, and minimising outdoor activities during peak sun hours.
Muslims observing Ramadan, constituting around 6.2% of the population, face additional challenges as fasting prohibits them from consuming liquids during daylight hours.
The heatwave in South Sudan is part of a broader trend of extreme weather events gripping the African continent, exacerbated by the natural phenomenon El Niño. This disruption in global weather patterns has contributed to record-breaking temperatures across the region.
Despite the immediate challenges posed by the heatwave, there is a glimmer of hope as meteorologists forecast potential relief in the form of storms in the southern region, offering respite from the blistering heat.
Looking ahead, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) anticipates wetter-than-normal conditions in South Sudan in the coming months, which could alleviate drought conditions but also raise concerns of flooding in vulnerable areas.