Jaleshwar, December 31: The cold wave and thick fog over the past few days have severely impacted daily life in Madhes. Bahadur Mahara, an 80-year-old resident of Jaleshwar Municipality-8, shared that cold winds have increased, making the weather harsher.
The ongoing cold wave and dense fog have adversely affected livestock, poultry, and crops. Anil Sah, a farmer from Jaleshwar-4, complained about the disruptions caused by the cold wave. The chill has reduced public movement in both urban and rural areas of the district, including the district headquarters, Jaleshwar.
While the sale of warm clothing has surged in the local markets, the cold has led to a drop in attendance at the weekly markets. Tea traders, like Suresh Sah from Jaleshwar-2, reported increased demand for tea during the cold spell.
Doctors at local health centers and the district hospital noted a rise in the number of patients suffering from cold-related illnesses. Dr. Rabindra Sah highlighted that children, the elderly, and postpartum women are the most affected. “The cold has caused issues such as cough, fever, asthma, swelling, and pain in the limbs among vulnerable groups,” he said.
To combat the cold, local authorities in various villages have set up bonfires for people to stay warm.
Farmers, however, have voiced concerns about the impact of the cold on crops. Umesh Mandal, a farmer from Jaleshwar-11, reported that pulse, oilseed, and vegetable crops have been adversely affected. “Lentils, flaxseed, mustard, peas, cauliflower, tomatoes, and other vegetables are directly impacted by the harsh weather,” he added.
#ColdWave #Madhes #Nepal #Fog #AgricultureImpact