Cold wave disrupts daily life, relief measures underway
The harsh weather has particularly impacted children, the elderly, and vulnerable communities.
KATHMANDU: A severe cold wave has significantly affected daily life in Lahan and surrounding rural areas, making it difficult for residents to carry out routine activities.
The harsh weather has particularly impacted children, the elderly, and vulnerable communities.
Local residents have been seen huddling around fires since early morning, and school attendance has dropped due to the biting cold.
In response, Lahan Municipality has begun lighting bonfires at major market intersections from this morning to help residents stay warm.
Municipality Chief Mahesh Prasad Chaudhary said, “We have started immediate relief efforts to protect residents from the rising cold.
Bonfires have been set up at key locations such as Gramin Chowk, Radhakrishna Chowk, Ganesh Chowk, Hanumansthan, and Hulak Chowk. We are coordinating with local wards to ensure bonfires are available across all 24 wards.”
He added that 500 families from poor and marginalized communities will be provided with fiber blankets as part of the municipality’s effort to prevent any risk to life from the extreme cold.
Meanwhile, schools have reported reduced attendance.
Manoj Yadav, principal of Padariya Tharu Tole Secondary School, said many children, especially from underprivileged families, lack warm clothing, which has affected their ability to attend classes regularly.
The Lahan Division Forest Office is also assisting with the cold relief measures. According to information officer Radheshyam Chaudhary, the office has allocated Rs 500,000 to provide firewood at key market areas.
With the cold wave intensifying, the District Disaster Management Committee is preparing to hold a meeting soon.
Assistant Chief District Officer Chetrraj Baral stated that discussions with the heads of all 17 local levels are underway to finalize measures such as distributing firewood and warm clothing.
Authorities at both government and local levels are ramping up efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of residents as the cold wave continues to affect life in the district.
