Cold wave disrupts daily life in Banke, Bardiya and Nawalparasi

By Siraj Khan/Bomlal Giri,Nepalgunj/Nawalpur, Jan. 9: The recent cold wave, accompanied by dipping temperatures, has significantly affected life in the Tarai districts of Banke, Bardiya and Nawalparasi in Lumbini Province. 

The persistent fog, covering the region from early morning on Wednesday, has caused temperatures to drop further. Children, the elderly and economically disadvantaged groups are the most affected. Many people are struggling to leave their homes due to the extreme cold, resulting in reduced activity in markets, offices and schools.

The movement of people has decreased in key areas such as Nepalgunj, Kohalpur and Khajura in Banke and Gulariya, Rajapur, Bansgadhi and Bhurigaun in Bardiya.

According to Tanka Dhami, president of the Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, while the demand for warm clothing has risen, other businesses are facing a downturn.

Doctors have urged special care for children, the elderly and physically vulnerable individuals due to the increased risk of health complications from the cold.

Dr. Sanket Kumar Risal, spokesperson for Bheri Hospital, highlighted a rise in cold-related health issues among patients. 

Meanwhile, the cold wave and dense fog have also disrupted air travel from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu and other hilly and mountainous districts. The Civil Aviation Office in Nepalgunj reported irregularities, especially in morning flights, over the past few days.

In response to the ongoing cold wave, Kohalpur Municipality has arranged firewood to make fire for the public at various locations. 

Mayor Purna Acharya said that firewood distribution began on Wednesday at key gathering points, including major crossroads such as Kohalpur Main Square, Sajha Chowk, High School, Pipri, Hawaldarpur, Madan Chowk, Kaushilanagar and Chapargaudi.

The municipality purchased six stacks of firewood from the District Forest Products Supply Committee and distributed it in collaboration with the Kohalpur Area Police Office. “Like in previous year, we have deployed municipal police to make fire at key locations to help residents combat the cold,” Acharya added.

In Nawalpur, thick fog and the cold wave have completely obstructed the Narayangadh-Butwal section of the East-West Highway. The road at Khursani Khola -4 of Bardaghat Municipality, Nawalparasi, became slippery due to the dense fog and frost, leading to the disruption, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Ramesh Bohora of the District Police Office.

The blockage, which began at around 1:30 am, has caused a traffic jam involving over 250 vehicles. Large and freight-carrying vehicles have faced significant challenges in navigating the slippery road.

Efforts are underway to restore smooth traffic flow, but the conditions remain difficult, Bohora added.