Madhesh Province Faces Severe Heatwave, Public Life Disrupted

Janakpurdham. Life has become difficult in Madhesh Province due to excessive heat for the past few days. As the temperature in most districts of Madhesh Province has risen above 35 degrees Celsius, it has become difficult for the general public to even leave their homes.

The daily lives of daily wage laborers, farmers, drivers, cart vendors, and small traders have been most affected by the scorching sun and hot winds that have disrupted daily life.

As the heat increases, market activity has decreased, and its effects are being seen in schools, health institutions, and government offices. Roads have become deserted during the afternoon. The Ministry of Health and Population has stated that the number of patients suffering from heatstroke, headache, dehydration, diarrhea, fever, and other heat-related illnesses is increasing due to excessive heat.

As the heat increases, snakebite incidents have also started to increase. Hospital sources have stated that four to five snakebite patients come to the Provincial Hospital Janakpurdham for treatment daily. Nagrain Municipality 5's Kali Mandal said that the risk of snakes has also increased with the rise in heat in the villages.

According to the Madhesh Province Ministry of Health and Population, the number of patients has increased in hospitals in Janakpur, Birgunj, Jaleshwor, Rajbiraj, and Siraha. The ministry has stated that the number of patients suffering from fever, headache, diarrhea, dizziness, and snakebites is increasing.

The daily wage earners who support their families are facing the most problems due to the scorching heat. They are forced to work even when the temperature is high. Their risk is increasing because if they do not work, their income stops, and it becomes difficult to support their families.

Geetadevi, 60, who runs a small shop in front of the District Court in Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City-4, said that despite the heat, there is no alternative to working to earn a living. She said, 'The sun is very strong, but if I don't do business, it's difficult to eat. I don't have the support of my children, I have to work myself. There is also the fear that the municipality will remove me from the sidewalk. I don't even have a proper shade. I have to sit drenched in sweat all day.'

Haridev Raut from Janakpurdham-6 works at a hardware store carrying cement bags. He said, 'Working in this heat is not our choice, but if we don't work, we cannot support our families. If we miss one day of work, the employer might hire someone else. That's why we have to work no matter how hot it is.'

Cart drivers, porters, and footpath vendors are facing similar problems.

With the increase in heat, electricity consumption has also increased. Due to this, locals say that there are problems with electricity supply in some places. The frequent power outages have caused further problems for the public.

Dr. Mukti Narayan Sah, spokesperson for the Madhesh Province Ministry of Health and Population, urged people to be cautious, stating that patients with dizziness, diarrhea, dehydration, and snakebites have increased due to the heat. He said that the ministry is coordinating with all hospitals to make treatment management more effective.

Sah informed that the ministry has urged the public not to go out of their homes during the afternoon except for essential work, to drink plenty of water, use an umbrella or hat, and take special care of children and the elderly.

Meanwhile, environmentalist Ajit Srivastava said that due to climate change, the impact of heat in Madhesh is increasing every year.

He said, 'Planting trees is happening, but conservation is not being paid attention to. Only by conserving a sapling for at least five years can its real benefits be realized. If the ponds and water resources in Madhesh are managed properly, it will help in balancing the temperature.'

Srivastava emphasized the need to conserve the Chure region, expand greenery in villages, and conserve natural resources.