JUMLA, Jan 1: With the temperature plummeting, normal life in five districts of Karnali region – Kalikot, Humla, Mugu, Dolpa and Jumla – has been put off gear, but the seasonal snowfall is yet to take place.
Snowfall has not been recorded in this region, which usually is covered in blankets of snow in the month of December. But a severe bout of cold has enveloped the region.
The minimum temperature in Jumla had fallen to -5.5 degree Celsius, according to Climatic Field Office, Jumla Chief, AP Chaurasiya. He added that snowfall is expected in the first week of January. The temperature dips particularly in the morning and night, bringing hardships for the locals.
The increasing cold has caused particular distress to elderly citizens, differently abled, women, children and poor families.
This weather is a killer for poor families although the businessmen make good earning, confided Kalo Kami, a local of Kudari – 4. The photocopy machines, fax and offset printing machines are not working properly due to the cold.
The water taps have broken down with pipes developing cracks and this has created drinking water problem, shared Samjhana Mahat, a local of Chandannath – 7. The winter crops have also started to dry up in absence of snowfall, said Nar Bahadur Rawat, a local farmer from Kudari – 3. RSS
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