Cold weather and fog disrupt daily life in eastern Terai

Biratnagr, January 28 — Cold weather and fog have intensified in various districts of the eastern Terai, affecting daily life.

Arjun Basnet, Vice President of Koshi Province PABSON, mentioned that children are facing difficulties due to the cold. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has warned that temperatures are continuing to drop, and the cold is expected to increase.

According to the department, fog has been causing a significant drop in temperature in different regions, especially in the eastern Terai and Madhes districts. The cold wave has intensified from morning to evening, with thick fog reducing visibility and causing temperatures to drop further.

The cold weather has particularly affected students, workers, children, the poor and helpless, as well as senior citizens.

Ram Kumar Karki, President of the Senior Citizens Society in Sundarharaincha, shared that these groups are facing the brunt of the cold. Narayan Karki, President of the Sundarharaincha Chamber of Commerce, pointed out that as the temperature drops quickly in the evening, the market becomes almost deserted.

Shops selling warm clothing have seen an increase in customers. Some locals, facing the chill, are forced to burn wood and coal to keep warm. According to vehicle driver Saroj Lamichhane, driving is also becoming challenging due to the thick fog.

Hospitals are seeing a rise in patients, especially children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions such as heart disease, asthma, lung issues, and diabetes. Health workers reported an increase in cases of pneumonia, cold, cough, and fever.

At the Purbanchal University Teaching Hospital in Gothgaon, it has been noted that cold-related illnesses are on the rise. Additionally, due to the dense fog, flight services at Biratnagar Airport have been disrupted, affecting air travel.