Photo : Messenger
The chilly cold has enveloped the lives of destitute people in Phulbari of Kurigram, situated in the northern region of the country, as they grapple with the severity of the cold. The situation has escalated to the point where individuals are spending their days in great difficulty due to the shortage of warm clothing.
Despite a high population of homeless individuals in the region, the distribution of winter clothes is noticeably very low, exacerbating the dire conditions faced by the locals.
The severity of the cold has reached unprecedented levels, rendering the days almost unbearable for the residents. On certain days, such as the second Wednesday, the sun remains elusive, contributing to an atmosphere of perpetual cold and fog. This climatic condition discourages people from undertaking long journeys unless absolutely necessary, confining them to their homes where they try to seek solace in sleep. In rural areas, the use of straw as a means to generate warmth is becoming increasingly common, reflecting the extent of the challenges faced by the community. The impact of the cold is not limited to the people alone; even the cattle are adversely affected.
The harsh weather has given rise to a surge in cold-related illnesses, particularly among children and the elderly. Local health centers are witnessing an influx of patients suffering from colds and coughs, a testament to the toll the weather is taking on the community's health. The river basin grazing areas are particularly hard-hit, as residents in these open regions must endure the biting cold air without adequate protection.
Katar Champa Akter Mishti, a resident of Kharibari Master neighborhood in Phulbari Bhangamore Union, expressed the collective frustration of the community.Despite enduring the severe cold, the distribution of winter clothes remains elusive in their area, leaving thousands of people stranded at home without the necessary protection against the cold. The absence of assistance compounds the challenges faced by those already struggling to survive in these harsh conditions.
Subal Chandra Sarkar, the officer-in-charge of Kurigram Rajarhat Agriculture Meteorological Office, shed light on the gravity of the situation. He highlighted the increasing cold, exacerbated by fog, which has enveloped Kurigram. The absence of sunlight further intensifies the cold, with the minimum temperature recorded at 11.6 degrees Celsius on a recent Wednesday. Sarkar warned that such weather conditions may persist for several more days, deepening the plight of the already suffering population.
In light of this critical situation, urgent action is needed to alleviate the suffering of the people in Kurigram. Authorities must prioritize the distribution of winter clothing to ensure that every individual, especially the vulnerable and homeless, has access to the necessary protection against the cold. Collaborative efforts between local communities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations are essential to address the immediate needs of those affected and implement long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of severe weather conditions in the future.
Messenger/Fameema
