KATHMANDU, Jan 18: Continuous rainfall coupled with heavy snowfall on Friday crippled normal life in the hill districts across the country.
Heavy snowfall has also caused obstruction to vehicular movement in some districts. Likewise, telephone and internet services have also been disrupted in several hill districts.
According to Datta Raj Hamal, assistant chief district officer of Humla, continuous snowfall has crippled life in the region.
“The local administration has urged people not to travel during snowfall,” he said. Telecommunication services are also disrupted here, he added.
Heavy snowfall affects mountain districts
Drinking water has also frozen in the supply pipelines. “People are facing problem of drinking water as the water is frozen in the pipes,” said Sher Bahadur Bohora, a local.
Likewise, in Dolpa, the government services have been affected due to heavy snowfall. According to Mahesh Kumar Keshari, chief district officer of Dolpa, the district headquarters Dunai is witnessing heavy snowfall. As a result, the temperature has plummeted, and government services have also been affected, he added.
Meanwhile, the farmers are happy with the snowfall, as it is beneficial for the crops – wheat, potato and garlic amongo others.
Similarly, Bajhang has witnessed up ro five feet of snow. According to Jayamal Rokaya, chair of Saipal Rural Municipality-5, adverse weather has hit children and elderly persons hard. Likewise, schools are also shut in the region.
Meanwhile, a total of nine goats died after being buried in snow in Bajura district. At least 14 goats are also missing in the district. As the mercury has dropped, the schools are closed in the district.
Meanwhile, vehicular movement along the Rasuwagadhi border point has been obstructed since Thursday following heavy snowfall in the district. According to a local businessperson, Purushottam Poudel, trade from the border region has come to a complete halt since Thursday morning.
Likewise, Gorkha district also witnessed heavy snowfall on Friday. Following heavy snowfall, the Manaslu trekking routes have remained closed, according to Pemba Dundup Lama, ward chair of Gorkha Municipality-4. Likewise, avalanche has also obstructed trekking trail in between Lho and Prok of the district.