Cold wave grips people of Panchagarh

The severe cold weather continues to intensify in Panchagarh, making everyday life difficult for its people and putting those in poor communities in distress and suffering.

Tetulia upazila weather office recorded a temperature of 13°C on Wednesday, whereas the lowest in district was recorded at 9°C on Saturday, said Md Rahidul Islam Rahid of the weather office. “In case of sudden rain, the temperature will drop even further.” 

Usually the cold in the district is most felt after evening till sunrise, but during the last couple of days the cold had become very severe, with heavy fog prevailing over the district and frost falling like raindrops throughout the night.

According to locals, the cold wind blowing in from the Himalayas is intensifying, with the elderly, women and children being most affected. 

Those suffering from various cold-related diseases are already visiting local hospitals and clinics.

To ward off the cold, people are burning hay and straw and wrapping their cattle in sacks or old clothes.

Azghar Ali, a rickshaw-puller in the district town, said: “People are avoiding from going to markets in the fog and cold.  Besides it is getting difficult to pull a rickshaw out in this weather.”

Mozzamel Hoque, a farmer from Langolgaon of Sadar upazila, said: “We farmers have to work the fields regardless of the harsh winter’s cold. We do the same during the extreme heat of the summer and persistent rain during the rainy season. We have no choice in the matter as our lives depend on our crops.”

Panchagarh Modern Sadar Hospital Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Md Sirajuddaula Polin said: “Most of the patients getting affected by cold and cold-related diseases are children and elderly.”

Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Sabina Yasmin says the district administration has taken necessary measures to tackle the cold wave that is prevailing over the district. “Around 30,000 blankets have already been distributed among the people in need through government and non-government initiatives. A requisition letter seeking additional winter clothes has been sent to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.”

She has also called on affluent people of society to play an active role in reducing the sufferings of the poor.