The northern border district of Lalmonirhat is enduring a harsh cold spell, with dense fog enveloping the region and significantly disrupting daily life. Vehicles were observed driving with headlights on early Friday morning to prevent accidents, according to transport workers.
Until 8 a.m. on Friday, thick fog covered the entire district, a condition that has persisted for the past few days.
Nirmal Chandra, a rickshaw puller from Dulhali in Kaliganj, shared that the heavy fog and chilly weather over the past two days have severely impacted his income. With fewer people venturing out in such conditions, his earnings have dropped.
Jewel Mia, a resident of Kakina in Kaliganj upazila, noted that the bone-chilling cold is particularly affecting people living in char areas (river islands). Many locals have resorted to lighting fires with straw and dried leaves to stay warm.
The local meteorological office has warned that temperatures could continue to drop, as light rainfall has accompanied the fog during the early hours.
Subal Chandra Sarkar, acting officer at the Rajarhat Weather Office, reported that the minimum temperature in Lalmonirhat and nearby Kurigram was recorded at 14.5°C at 7 a.m. on Friday.
Local health complexes have seen an increase in cold-related cases, with five upazila health centers reporting a surge in patients. Dr. Ali Rajib Mohammad Naser, a physician at the Kaliganj Upazila Health Complex, stated that the number of cold-related ailments has been rising steadily in recent days. "We are doing our best to provide necessary treatment," he said.
Kaliganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sifat Anowara Tumpa highlighted that cold intensity typically increases in these areas during winter months. To assist the underprivileged, the upazila administration will distribute winter clothing to help people cope with the extreme cold.
(Source: UNB)
BD-Pratidin English/Mazdud
