According to the elders, they had rarely experienced such a long cold wave and lack of sunlight before. Ram Dulare Tharu, 70, of Badhaiyatal-1, recounted his experience of being plagued by cold and fog for 15 days 22 years ago.
What you should know
Since Poush 1, thick fog, cold waves, and cold winds have made life difficult in Bardiya. The extremely cold winds have been blowing since morning, affecting life. Now, the hustle and bustle of people in the evening and morning has stopped. The streets have started to look deserted.
Although there has been only one day of mild sunshine since the month of Poush, the sun has not been seen since then. Nandakala Khatri of Madhuban Municipality-5 said that it takes about 4/5 days to dry clothes after washing.
According to the elderly, they have rarely experienced such a long cold wave and lack of sunlight before. 70-year-old Ram Dulare Tharu of Badhaiyatal Rural Municipality-1 recounted his experience of being tormented by cold and fog for 15 days 22 years ago. ‘Since then, it has become so cold,’ he said, ‘It is very difficult as the cold increases.’
Municipalities have distributed warm clothes and firewood to poor families. Mayor of Gulariya Municipality Muktinath Yadav said that blankets, warm clothes and firewood are being distributed to poor families. He said that more firewood will be distributed to the general public at crossroads as the cold increases.
Locals are complaining that the firewood distributed by the municipality is not enough. As the temperature drops, public life has been further affected. Businessmen who are opening their shops and shutters are also sitting by lighting fires at intersections after people have stopped coming.
Chief District Officer Gogan Bahadur Hamal has appealed to everyone to protect themselves from the cold. 'There is a special request to stay warm and not go out except for essential work,' he said, 'Let's take special care of the elderly and children in winter.'
