Temperature drops to 9°C in Kurigram, char residents struggle amid intensifying cold

Bangla Press Desk: The severity of winter has been intensifying in the northern region of Bangladesh, with Kurigram district experiencing a sharp drop in temperature that has disrupted normal life.

For the past three consecutive days, temperatures in the district have remained below 10 degrees Celsius, worsening the suffering of low-income and riverine char communities.

According to the Rajarhat Meteorological Observatory, the lowest temperature recorded on Friday at 6am was 9 degrees Celsius, accompanied by 99% humidity.

The information was confirmed by Subal Chandra Sarkar, officer-in-charge of the Rajarhat Meteorological Office. He said the minimum temperature was also recorded at 9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and Thursday, while Tuesday saw an even lower temperature of 8.5 degrees Celsius.

Dense fog has been enveloping the district from dawn through the morning hours, reducing visibility and slowing daily activities. Movement on roads has declined significantly, with daily wage earners, rickshaw pullers and other low-income groups bearing the brunt of the cold.

Hospitals across the district are reporting a rise in cold-related illnesses. Doctors at the district Sadar Hospital and various upazila health complexes said patients suffering from cold, cough and fever have increased, particularly among children and the elderly.

The situation is most severe in the river-surrounded char areas, where an estimated 550,000 people are struggling to cope with the cold. With limited shelter and exposure to open air, spending nights in the biting cold has become increasingly difficult for char dwellers.

To mitigate the impact of winter, District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Abdul Matin Sarkar said that 27,000 blankets have so far been distributed across nine upazilas of the district.

Meanwhile, preparations for winter have boosted activity in rural markets. Sales of blankets and warm clothing have increased noticeably, with shopkeepers reporting a surge in customers seeking protection from the cold.

As temperatures remain low, residents are urging authorities to expand relief efforts, especially for vulnerable communities in the char areas.

BP/SP