KATHMANDU, March 11: Snowfall in the mountainous region since the last three days accompanied by rainfall in the lower areas has disrupted the normal life of people.
The weather remained chilly on Friday with some rainfall and snowfall in most parts of the country, including the capital. The sudden drop in temperature made it difficult for the people to conduct regular activities. Vehicular movement was obstructed in many places as the roads were covered with dense snow. This caused great trouble for passengers who were travelling in long routes as they were stuck in the middle.
Massive snow fall was reported in Humla, Jumla, Taplejung, Solukhumbu, Manang and Mustang among other places.
Most of the schools and colleges in rural areas remained closed due to excessive cold. Similarly, local markets remained closed in Bajhang, adding more woe to the people.
It has been three days since the villagers in many districts have not been able to go to their fields to look after their crop due to snowfall. The sudden change in weather has thrown normal life out of gear.
“It's been five days that we have not been able to see the sun and we are forced to stay around fire to avoid this biting cold,” said Jaher Bohara of Melbisauna-9 of Bajhang.
The snowfall is likely to cause food scarcity in more than dozen remote villages since it has damaged the winter crops like wheat and millet. As the snow has covered all the crops and vegetables, it will be difficult to grow them again, according to the farmers. Farmers of various districts have speculated that they won't have much to harvest this year.
Rana Bahadur Bohara of Tuti said, “It is sure that villagers will have to suffer from food shortage as the snow is 2 feet deep in the fields.”