The cold spell is intensifying in the northern district of Panchagarh. Compared to other regions of the country, the temperature in the district has been dropping rapidly over the last few days.
Tetulia Weather Observatory Centre recorded the season’s lowest temperature of 10.5 degrees Celsius at 9am on Saturday, which the Met office stated is the lowest in the country.
The weather office further reported that the air humidity was 94 per cent at that time. Previously, on Friday at the same time, the temperature in this region was recorded at 11 degrees Celsius. Friday’s highest daytime temperature was 27 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, due to dense fog from night until morning in Panchagarh, working people are facing difficulties. In the morning, many were seen struggling to work even after wearing extra warm clothing.
As the temperature drops, children, the elderly, and the sick are being more affected. Many low-income families are facing a shortage of warm clothing.
Jahangir Alam, an easy-bike driver, said, “The cold causes us a lot of suffering. Even if we go out with the vehicle, our income decreases.”
Hafizur Rahman, a resident of Moidandighi in Boda upazila, said, “It has been feeling very cold for several days. And the suffering of poor is increasing.”
Jitendranath Roy, officer-in-charge of the Tetulia weather office, informed that when the mercury drops between 8 to 10 degrees Celsius, it is termed a mild cold wave.
He also expressed concern that the temperature may drop further in December, leading to a moderate cold wave.
Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Kazi Md Saemuzzaman said, “Standing by cold-affected people during the winter season is one of the district administration’s top priorities.”
He further said that this year an allocation of Tk30 lakh has been received from the Department of Disaster Management for winter clothing assistance in Panchagarh.
Already, 8,640 blankets have been distributed across 43 unions in five upazilas. However, due to high demand, a requisition for an additional 65,000 blankets has been sent to the ministry.
