Bangladesh

Cold wave hits north; more relief efforts needed

File photo

A sweeping cold wave has disrupted daily life in the northern region, with the lowest temperature recorded at 9.2 degrees Celsius in Panchagarh's Tetulia at 9:00am today.

Yesterday, the temperature in Tetulia was recorded 8.4 degrees Celsius.

The biting cold has taken a toll on the low-income population, significantly affecting their livelihoods and daily routines.

Julfa Bewa, a 60-year-old resident of Sonapatila village in Panchagarh's Boda upazila, described her struggle to cope with the chilling weather saying, "The cooler wind from the north makes it tough to carry on daily activities."

Even multiple layers of blankets fail to keep her warm, especially after sunset when the icy wind penetrates her thatched house.

Farm labourer Babul, 58, of Shahapara village, shared the difficulty in preparing Boro seedbeds amidst the freezing winds.

"This is the peak time for preparing seedbeds, but the icy wind makes it almost impossible to work in the fields," he said.

Day labourer Jotis Barman from Basiadebi village in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila was found waiting for work at Thakurgaon intersection but lamented the lack of job opportunities due to the adverse weather.

"It's already 10:00am, but no one has hired me yet," he said.

Rafiqul Islam, a rickshaw-puller shared a similar plight, reporting a drop in daily income as people avoid venturing out unless absolutely necessary.

"Our earnings have been severely impacted because most people are staying indoors," he said.

Farmers are also struggling to protect their Rabi crops, including potatoes and vegetables, from diseases exacerbated by the cold.

The adverse weather has increased the demand for warm clothes, but relief efforts remain insufficient.

Jitendranath Roy, assistant officer at the Tetulia Weather Observatory Centre, said the cold wave is expected to persist for the next few days.

According to meteorological classifications, temperatures between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius signify a mild cold wave, 6 to 8 degrees Celsius a moderate one, and below 6 degrees Celsius a severe cold wave.

The cold has led to a surge in cold-related illnesses.

Dr Rakibul Alam, resident medical officer at the 250-bed Thakurgaon Modern Hospital, confirmed an increased influx of patients suffering from respiratory and other cold-induced ailments.

District administrations in Thakurgaon and Panchagarh have initiated warm clothing distribution among the cold-affected, but the demand far outweighs the supply.

Md Sabed Ali, deputy commissioner of Panchagarh, urged non-governmental organisations and affluent individuals to step forward and support the vulnerable population during this crisis.

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Cold wave hits north; more relief efforts needed

File photo

A sweeping cold wave has disrupted daily life in the northern region, with the lowest temperature recorded at 9.2 degrees Celsius in Panchagarh's Tetulia at 9:00am today.

Yesterday, the temperature in Tetulia was recorded 8.4 degrees Celsius.

The biting cold has taken a toll on the low-income population, significantly affecting their livelihoods and daily routines.

Julfa Bewa, a 60-year-old resident of Sonapatila village in Panchagarh's Boda upazila, described her struggle to cope with the chilling weather saying, "The cooler wind from the north makes it tough to carry on daily activities."

Even multiple layers of blankets fail to keep her warm, especially after sunset when the icy wind penetrates her thatched house.

Farm labourer Babul, 58, of Shahapara village, shared the difficulty in preparing Boro seedbeds amidst the freezing winds.

"This is the peak time for preparing seedbeds, but the icy wind makes it almost impossible to work in the fields," he said.

Day labourer Jotis Barman from Basiadebi village in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila was found waiting for work at Thakurgaon intersection but lamented the lack of job opportunities due to the adverse weather.

"It's already 10:00am, but no one has hired me yet," he said.

Rafiqul Islam, a rickshaw-puller shared a similar plight, reporting a drop in daily income as people avoid venturing out unless absolutely necessary.

"Our earnings have been severely impacted because most people are staying indoors," he said.

Farmers are also struggling to protect their Rabi crops, including potatoes and vegetables, from diseases exacerbated by the cold.

The adverse weather has increased the demand for warm clothes, but relief efforts remain insufficient.

Jitendranath Roy, assistant officer at the Tetulia Weather Observatory Centre, said the cold wave is expected to persist for the next few days.

According to meteorological classifications, temperatures between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius signify a mild cold wave, 6 to 8 degrees Celsius a moderate one, and below 6 degrees Celsius a severe cold wave.

The cold has led to a surge in cold-related illnesses.

Dr Rakibul Alam, resident medical officer at the 250-bed Thakurgaon Modern Hospital, confirmed an increased influx of patients suffering from respiratory and other cold-induced ailments.

District administrations in Thakurgaon and Panchagarh have initiated warm clothing distribution among the cold-affected, but the demand far outweighs the supply.

Md Sabed Ali, deputy commissioner of Panchagarh, urged non-governmental organisations and affluent individuals to step forward and support the vulnerable population during this crisis.

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