Biting cold takes toll on lives
Staff Reporter :
The biting cold descended upon the entire country, is wreaking havoc on the lives and livelihoods of its residents from urban centers to rural landscapes.
According to Met Office, mild to moderate cold wave is sweeping over Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions and the district of Chuadanga and it may spread. Night temperature may fall by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius and day temperature may fall slightly over the country.
Moderate to thick fog may occur over the country during midnight to morning and it may continue till noon at places. Air navigation, inland river transport and road communication may disrupt due to thick fog, met office said.
Tetulia in Panchagarh district has recorded the country’s lowest temperature of 5.8 degrees Celsius on Thursday.
According to the meteorologist A. K. M. Nazmul Haque, Panchagarh has been witnessing a cold wave in recent weeks, with temperatures hovering around 8-10 degrees Celsius. The arrival of dense fog and the influx of chilly northerly winds have further contributed to the drop in temperature.
The cold wave has impacted daily life in the district, with residents feeling the chill, he said.
The plummeting mercury levels have raised concerns about the health and well-being of the population.
Reports from various districts indicate a surge in cold-related illnesses, with hospitals and healthcare facilities grappling with the heightened demand for medical attention.
The elderly and young children are particularly susceptible to the harsh winter conditions. The bone-chilling cold has also disrupted the normal course of daily life for many citizens in different regions.
Concerned stakeholders in the transport sector said that the transportation services are grappling with delays and cancellations, as thick fog impede smooth mobility.
The school-goers are also experiencing the biting cold while going to school. Severe cold has also forced many educational institutions to shut down as prior measure to save the students being caught by cold related diseases.
In addition to the health concerns, the biting cold has taken a toll on the livelihoods of those dependent on outdoor occupations.
Farmers, construction workers, and daily wage laborers find themselves contending with the challenges posed by the harsh weather conditions.
From humanitarian aspects, many philanthropic individuals and organisations are distributing warm clothing and blankets among the poor people.
