In the northern district of Lalmonirhat, a recent surge in cold winds and dense fog have significantly disrupted daily life. Over the past few days, these extreme weather conditions have entrapped the district’s residents, particularly affecting the poor.
Subal Chandra Sarkar, officer-in-charge (OC) of the Agricultural Meteorological Observatory in Rajarhat upazila, highlighted the severity of the situation, “The minimum temperature in Lalmonirhat was recorded at a chilling 9.8 degrees Celsius at 8 am on Tuesday, marking a decrease from Monday’s 10.1 degrees Celsius.”
This persistent lack of sunlight and the resulting drop in temperatures have intensified the hardships faced by the community. The adverse weather is not only affecting humans but also livestock, exacerbating their suffering.
The health impact of these conditions is alarming. Lalmonirhat Civil Surgeon, Nirmalendu Roy, reported, “We’ve seen a significant rise in patients with cold-related illnesses, such as colds, coughs, and asthma. The hospital admissions for these conditions have notably increased compared to previous periods.”
The dense fog and cold wave have extended across riverbanks and char areas, with visibility challenges forcing vehicles to use headlights until noon. This persistent severe weather has brought daily activities to a near standstill.
Local resident Moslem Mia from Khuniagach Char area voiced the struggles of working individuals: “Our livelihood depends on daily work. The dense fog and extremely cold wind recently have made working outdoors nearly impossible. The numbness in our hands and feet is debilitating. We’re in a perplexing situation, trying to sustain our families under these harsh conditions.”
This situation in Lalmonirhat is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by extreme weather events, impacting not just the daily routines but also the health and economic stability of vulnerable communities.