MEHERPUR, Dec 14 (UNB): The ongoing severe cold in Meherpur has crippled daily life, with temperatures plummeting and a thick fog enveloping the area.
As temperatures continue to drop, residents have been battling the bitter cold by burning straw to stay warm. In the past week alone, 1229 patients, including350 children, 509 women, and 370 men, have sought treatment at local hospitals due to illnesses caused by the cold Meherpur General Hospital, along with health complexes in Gangni and Mujibnagar, has reported a significant increase in cold-related
cases, with many suffering from pneumonia, diarrhea, and respiratory issues.
On Thursday, the Chuadanga Meteorological Office recorded the temperature in Chuadanga and Meherpur at 10.2°C at both 6 am and 9 am. Humidity levels were at 97 per cent. The local weather office predicted the temperature will continue to drop in the coming days, with a cold wave expected to begin shortly.
Rakibul Hasan, a senior meteorological observer at the Chuadanga Weather Office, said, "Fog covered the sky on Thursday, and the sky remained cloudy due to a low-pressure system. This weather is expected to continue tomorrow. A cold wave may begin in a few days, further lowering the temperature." The drop in temperature has left life in a standstill, with vehicles moving slowly and headlights on even during the day due to the dense fog. People and animals alike are struggling to survive in the harsh conditions, with many flocking to shops selling warm clothes.
In addition to the rise in cold-related illnesses, the district's hospitals are overwhelmed with patients. In Meherpur, 254 children, 363 women, and 293 men have been admitted to the 250-bed General Hospital in the past week alone. Similarly, 94 patients have been admitted to the Mujibnagar Upazila Health Complex, and 225 patients have been admitted to the Gangni Upazila Health Complex.
Over 0.3 million (three lakh) people in the district are facing severe hardship due to the lack of warm clothes, with no government assistance provided so far.
Dr Jamir Mohammad Hasibus Sattar, superintendent of Meherpur General Hospital, said, "Most patients have come to the hospital in the past few days with cold-related illnesses.
