Vientiane schools given option to close amid soaring temps
VIENTIANE: The Vientiane Department of Education and Sports has advised schools with no air conditioning to consider temporarily suspending classes due to the continuing hot weather.

The department has circulated a notice to the heads of Departments of Education and Sports in the city’s nine districts, suggesting that the principals of public and private schools suspend classes because of the discomfort caused by excessively high temperatures.

Education and Sports Offices and schools across Vientiane were advised to closely monitor weather forecasts and, if the temperature is 40 deg C or higher, to consider cancelling classes, especially if schools do not have air conditioning.

District Education and Sports Departments were recommended to consider school closures during the period April 30 to May 3.

However, arrangements should be made for children to continue their studies at home if they do not attend school. Teachers were instructed to give homework to pupils so they do not fall behind in preparations for the upcoming end of year exams.

Schools that have air conditioning can continue with classes as usual, but lengthy outdoor activities should be avoided and the time allocated to certain activities can be adjusted to suit the prevailing weather conditions.

The advice issued to schools in Vientiane follows on from a notice circulated by the Ministry of Education and Sports to school administrators suggesting they consider suspending classes if necessary during the current heatwave, which is affecting a number of countries in the region.

Teachers are also advised to read the posts on the Meteorology and Hydrology Department’s Facebook page and to familiarise themselves with updates provided by the Centre of Information and Education for Health.

According to the Meteorology and Hydrology Department, temperatures have reached record levels for this year, with maximums predicted at 40-43 deg C until the end of April, while a westerly wind will bring isolated thunderstorms, lightning, hail and strong winds. - Vientiane Times/ANN
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VIENTIANE: The Vientiane Department of Education and Sports has advised schools with no air conditioning to consider temporarily suspending classes due to the continuing hot weather.