Cold affects life in Banke

Khajura (Banke), Jan 15: Life in the West Terai region has been severely affected by a persistent cold wave. Nepalgunj, Khajura, and Narainapur in Banke have been experiencing thick fog and extremely cold conditions since the morning, leading to a significant decline in public movement in urban and market areas. Fewer vehicles are seen on the roads as the cold persists.    

In Nepalgunj, the cold wave lasts for about two hours every morning, making the conditions particularly harsh. Local resident Ram Suhawan Yadav said that locals, including himself, have been staying indoors due to the biting cold. Like him, others in the area only venture outside when absolutely necessary.    

Daily wage earners have been hard-hit by the extreme weather. Ramdin Godiya, a resident of Duduwa Rural Municipality-4, said missing work due to the cold makes it difficult for him to support his family. "If the situation continues, we will face a crisis," he added. Many daily wage earners in the area have come from the hills and neighboring towns in India.    

The cold has had a particularly severe impact on children, the elderly, daily wage workers, and the impoverished. Many have fallen ill, with a noticeable increase in cases of asthma, pneumonia, common

colds, and fevers. Dr Sanket Risal, an information officer at Bheri Hospital, stated that the hospital has seen a rise in cases of cardiac and kidney diseases, as well as pneumonia among children and seniors. The cold has further exacerbated the conditions of patients with chronic illnesses. (RSS)