Cold, dense fog on in N-region

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RAJSHAHI, Dec 18 (BSS): The unabated cold weather coupled with dense fog has been continuing for the last few days in the northern region.
Coldspell with mild chilly wind and heavy fog has triggered cold-related diseases. Heavy fog overcast the whole sky keeping the sun invisible and the plying of vehicles on all routes without headlights has become impossible until late morning.
The number of patients suffering from pneumonia, asthma and respiratory complications increased in the upazila and district level hospitals, including Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, with rise in intensity of coldspell, hospital sources said.
According to the concerned sources, the unusual situation has been preventing people from going outside their residences in the morning along with creating negative impact on normal life.
Only a few people are seen going out of their houses on urgent need while the day laborers cannot work in fields due to the biting cold.
In addition to the sufferings of the people, particularly the poor, cultivation, especially potato, chilli and Irri-Boro and pisciculture has been affected.
Meanwhile, the overall coldwave situation deteriorated further in Rajshahi region with the lowering of mercury level during the past 24 hours.
Sources said the temperatures marked further fall due to decrease in humidity and Himalayan winds from the north and northwest blowing strongly.