Temperatures in Manang and Mustang drop to minus 17 and 12 Degrees
POKHARA, Dec 16: The settlements in the upper parts of the Himalayan districts of Manang and Mustang are wearing deserted looks due to extreme cold. The locals say that villagers are flocking to the city to escape the cold.
As the temperature plummets, rivers freeze, causing water supply issues. In the Himalayan district of Manang, the night-time temperature has dropped to as low as minus 17 degrees Celsius.
The headquarters of Manang, Chame, is experiencing a seasonal exodus. According to the Chief District Officer (CDO) of Manang, Subas Kumar Lamichhane, Chame's night-time temperature has reached minus 17 degrees, while the records show sub-zero temperature even in the afternoon.
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Lamichhane said, “Water supply from pipes has ceased due to freezing. After the recent snowfall, the already cold conditions have become unbearable. The frozen water needs to be melted, and it is only during the sunny hours during the daytime that some water becomes available.”
Living in the mountainous areas is expected to be challenging for the next four months, according to CDO Lamichhane.
He added that driving vehicles is difficult due to frozen ice on the road in some places, which makes it challenging to navigate the icy roads. "Life has been affected, and the headquarters itself has become deserted," he remarked. "Even the locals have migrated to lower-altitude areas," he added.
Tourism activities have also decreased due to the cold. CDO Lamichhane urged tourists to exercise caution and not to venture into high-altitude areas without proper preparation. He stated, "It is challenging to provide rescue assistance in case of trouble, as even the police personnel stationed in higher areas have been recalled to the headquarters. Villagers are also not present at home, which is why we have raised a caution."
Konjo Tenzing Lama, chairman of Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality in Upper Manang, reported that villagers are moving to temporary shelters as temperatures in the upper areas reach around minus 16 degrees Celsius at night and minus 5 degrees during the daytime.
The Narpa Bhumi Rural Municipality office has temporarily shifted its operations to the district headquarters in Chame due to the harsh weather. Lama explained that the reduced population in the village results in a decline in municipal work.
He said, "Until mid-March, the settlements are completely covered with snow. During this time, we melt snow for water. It is only during the daytime that we are able to fill water due to the warm sunshine. Even the water stored inside the house freezes."
Due to the severe cold, schools in the area have temporarily closed. Lama stated that around 70 percent of villagers have already moved to warmer areas to escape the winter, and the remaining 30 percent will likely follow suit in the coming days.
"The upper part has become completely deserted. Daily life has also become difficult. Tourist activities have also slowed down, with only shepherds staying at home to take care of the animals," he added.
