Weak preparedness to cope with cold wave in Tarai

By Vijay Kumar Sah/Janarjan Khatri,Dhanusha/Sarlahi, Dec. 31: Cold waves have gripped many districts in the Tarai, including Dhanusha and Sarlahi, leading to a significant drop in temperatures and affecting normal life since Monday.

The economically disadvantaged, especially impoverished families, are the hardest hit, often relying on fire to keep themselves warm. However, relevant authorities appear ill-prepared to mitigate the effects of the cold wave and protect these vulnerable populations.

According to statistics, Dalits and impoverished communities constitute 17.27 per cent of Madhes Province's population, with most of them working as daily wage earners. The situation is particularly dire for the disabled and helpless individuals. In the past, cold waves also caused fatalities.

Bishnu Khanal from Pushpalpur in Mithila Municipality-4, Dhanusha, shared that the lack of warm blankets, clothing and nutritious food has made life difficult for impoverished communities during the cold wave. He said no assistance has been provided to protect these families this year. “What is the use of providing relief after winter is over? Poor families are struggling now. They warm themselves with straw fires, and they don’t even have enough firewood," he added. Similarly, Lalita Sada from the same area said, “Relief comes only after people start dying of cold here. The need for timely programmes from all levels of government to protect vulnerable lives is often neglected.” 

Dipendra Kumar Yadav, Spokesperson and Section Officer at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Communication and Law, Madhes Province, said that the Provincial Disaster Management Committee would hold a meeting on Tuesday to finalise programmes targeting the people affected by the cold wave. He informed that blankets are being distributed to 5,000 disadvantaged individuals affected by the cold wave.

Chief District Officer of Dhanusha, Raju Raj Kadaraiya, stressed that disaster management plans are in place and are being implemented accordingly. He highlighted ongoing efforts to generate awareness about potential risks to mitigate disasters and reduce risks.

Ashok Bhandari, Chief Administrative Officer of Mithila Municipality, mentioned that blankets and quilts were distributed last year to senior citizens, Dalits and marginalised communities. He assured that similar initiatives would be implemented this year, along with efforts to manage firewood for bonfires in various locations.

Similarly, in Sarlahi, the cold has disrupted daily life. A thick fog has enveloped the region since Monday, accompanied by a cold wind, forcing residents to endure chilly weather.

Morning frost, resembling a drizzle, has started falling and the cold wave, coupled with dense fog, has begun to affect people compelled to leave their homes for essential tasks. Farmers and labourers are particularly worried as the frost and fog threaten crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, mustard and lentils in the Tarai region.

With the onset of the cold wave, poor and disadvantaged families are experiencing even harsher conditions. Sita Devi Majhi, a leader of the Musahar community in Bhawanipur of Basbariya Rural Municipality-3, shared that families without warm clothing are struggling.

Doctors have urged special care for children, senior citizens, the disabled and those with chronic illnesses, as they are more vulnerable to the cold. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Medical Superintendent of the Provincial Hospital in Malangwa, advised staying warm indoors and consuming warm, liquid foods during this time.

The District Traffic Police Office in Sarlahi has cautioned travellers and drivers to exercise extra caution, as reduced visibility due to fog increases the risk of road accidents.