Cambodia reduces school hours over heat waves

A class in Siem Reap province, Cambodia(Photo: AFP/VNA)

All public schools in Cambodia have been ordered to cut one hour off their regular school daytime due to soaring temperatures in the ongoing dry season.

According to a directive released on April 25, the normal morning school session from 7 am to 11 am will now end half an hour earlier. Meanwhile, the afternoon session, which usually runs from 1 pm to 5 pm, will begin 30 minutes later at 1:30 pm.

Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron said in the directive that during the 2019 dry season, temperatures can be higher than 40 degrees Celsius between 10 am and 2 pm. The reduction of school hours aims to prevent heat-related illnesses, he added.

The measure will remain effective until the rainy season, which is expected to come in late May.

VNA