Humla life affected by sweltering heat

By Our Correspondent

Humla, June 24: This year, the Himalayan region has experienced the highest temperatures so far. The heat has been increased due to the lack of rainfall and persistent sunshine compared to previous years.

Bharat Jung Shahi, Spokesperson for Kharpunath Rural Municipality, said that the temperature in the municipal centre, Yangchhu Bazaar, had increased compared to last year. 

Last year, the temperature reached up to 27 degrees Celsius, but this year it has risen to 35 degrees Celsius. He said that it had become difficult for people to go outside during the day and because of the increased heat and lack of rain crops started drying up. 

Gopal Budha, a local from Tajakot Rural Municipality-5, claimed that temperatures had risen and reached up to 39 degrees Celsius in the municipal centre, Chaprela. He said that the crops and water sources had dried up, leading to a drinking water shortage. He said that the lack of snow in winter and insufficient rainfall when needed had caused problems for the residents of the Himalayan region. Additionally, hot weather had led to a rise in the number of flies and various seasonal flu illnesses, he added.

Budha said that the highest temperatures in Humla district were recorded in Tumcha of Sarkeghad Rural Municipality-1 and Makai of Adanchuli Rural Municipality-2, where it has been impossible for people to go outside during the daytime.

Agriculture expert Govinda Pandit, who has been working in the field of climate adaptation, said that deforestation has led to a rise in temperatures, resulting in less snowfall in winter and reduced rainfall during the monsoon season. He said that even in Simkot, the district headquarters situated at an altitude of 2,945 metres, temperatures had reached up to 25 degrees Celsius, indicating a potentially serious problem. He said that barley, wheat and other crops had dried up due to the lack of rain and emphasised that protecting forests was the only solution to the problem seen now.