Humla locals making fire to beat cold

By Rajan Rawat,Humla, Nov. 26: People in Sarkegard Rural Municipality are now making fires even during the daytime to keep themselves warm. The sun in the Humla village sets as early as noon, bringing chilly conditions, and prompting people to make fire on the wayside to stay warm.

According to Basanti Shahi, a local trader in Sarkegard Bazaar, the sun shines in the area only from 9 am to noon. After that, the temperature drops significantly, forcing residents to huddle around fires for warmth. 

Situated along the banks of the Karnali River, Sarkegard Bazaar also experiences strong afternoon winds, intensifying the cold and leading to increased firewood consumption. However, the lack of nearby forests adds to the challenges of procuring firewood, which is further exacerbated by the need to burn wood during the day. 

He said that since mid-November, locals have been regularly making fires in their courtyards as early as 2 pm.

Another trader, Chhabi Budha, said that the rise in cold weather has caused a surge in the demand for thick clothing. Health worker Babarjung Pal said that the cold has particularly affected the elderly, children and individuals with respiratory issues like asthma. He advised the community to stay cautious and take preventive measures to protect themselves from cold.

Pal also said that it was a common sight to see people warming themselves with fires in front of their houses as soon as the sun sets. Despite Sarkegard Bazaar being located in a relatively low-altitude area, the limited duration of sunlight makes the cold more severe.

Meanwhile, the upcoming by-election for the vacant vice-chair position of Sarkegard Rural Municipality has led to increased activity in the area. Even election officials on duty are forced to warm themselves sitting by fire.