LAHAN, Jan 1: Life in the districts of Madhesh has been severely impacted as a continuous cold wave has swept through the region for two days, bringing thick fog. The drop in temperature and the persistent cold wave have led to reduced activity in markets and offices. In the mornings, driving conditions have worsened, with the fog and cold wave significantly reducing visibility.
The cold wave has affected life across the districts of Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, and Parsa in Madhesh Province.
Drivers report difficulties in navigating the roads due to the dense fog, which, combined with the cold wave, makes it nearly impossible to see even short distances. On Tuesday morning, the temperature in Lahan dropped to 9 degrees Celsius. The cold wave has also resulted in fewer people venturing out to markets in Madhesh, including Lahan. School and campus attendance has decreased, and businesses unrelated to warm clothing have begun to slow down.
The general public is seen trying to escape the cold by lighting fires. The cold wave that begins in mid-December and lasts until mid-February makes life especially difficult in Madhesh. Poor families, in particular, are significantly affected by the cold due to a lack of warm clothing. This year, marginalized groups such as Musahar, Chamar, and Dom appear to be the most vulnerable.
1,523 blankets distributed to cold wave survivors
Shops that typically open early in the morning are now starting their operations later. Traders have reported that the drop in temperature has severely impacted their businesses. Sales of products unrelated to warm clothing have decreased, while demand for jackets and blankets has risen. Health-related problems such as cold, cough, diarrhea, asthma, and fever have also seen an increase due to the harsh weather. Doctors warn that children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to health issues during this time.
As winter progresses, the number of patients suffering from arthritis, common cold, asthma, and cold-induced diarrhea has risen at the Ram Kumar Sarada Uma Prasad Murar Provincial Hospital.
Cold waves are not a new phenomenon in Madhesh, as they occur every year. The poor continue to suffer, with some even losing their lives due to the cold. Locals claim the local government has paid little attention to this issue, only responding after fatalities occur.
The impoverished are left to rely on the central government and other external sources for warm clothing and firewood to protect them from the cold. Eight years have passed since the government started proclaiming that Singha Durbar had reached the villages, but the poor in Madhesh continue to struggle with the cold waves, pleading for help from the local government. However, there have been no visible preparations or responses from the relevant authorities.
Why does the cold wave occur in Madhesh?
While the hilly regions experience fog, cold, and frost in winter, and snowfall occurs in the mountainous and high-mountainous areas, Madhesh faces cold waves along with thick fog. This is also a common occurrence in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which border Nepal.
Experts attribute this phenomenon to the geographical location of the Madhesh region and a process called radiative cooling. The land in the plains heats up during the day and then radiates the heat back into the atmosphere. This process differs from that in the hills and mountains, contributing to the cold waves that affect Madhesh each year.
According to experts, a cold wave requires plain land, which Madhesh has. This geographical feature makes Madhesh particularly susceptible to cold waves every winter.
