A severe cold wave continues to grip Kandhamal district, with temperatures dropping significantly across multiple areas on Friday. The hill town of G Udayagiri emerged as the coldest spot, recording a chilling night temperature of just 7 degrees Celsius.
Temperature Plunge Across the District
According to weather sources, the mercury dipped sharply in several parts of Kandhamal. While G Udayagiri recorded the lowest at 7 degrees Celsius, nearby areas also experienced extreme cold conditions. Daringbadi registered a minimum temperature of 7.5°C, while Phulbani recorded 8.2°C.
Interior regions including Bramhanigaon, Kotagarh, Belaghara, Raikia, and Phiringia are also battling severe cold conditions, with residents reporting difficulty in carrying out their daily morning routines.
Impact on Daily Life
The freezing temperatures have significantly disrupted normal life across the district. Sadasiba Patra, a resident of Phulbani, highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, "We can't come out of the house till 9 am."
The cold wave has particularly affected tribal communities who depend on forest products for their livelihood. Most of these collectors could not venture out during the foggy mornings due to the intense cold.
In several areas, especially in G Udayagiri and Daringbadi, people were seen gathering around bonfires to keep themselves warm. A K Sahu, a Daringbadi resident, noted that "except some morning walkers, people did not venture out" due to the extreme conditions.
Administrative Response and Weather Causes
The district administration has taken proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations. Official sources confirmed that some homeless people have been rescued and housed in night shelters established in urban areas.
Weather experts attribute this sudden temperature drop to multiple factors, including cold winds from the northwest, snowfall in Himachal Pradesh, and the prevailing sunny weather conditions. These combined elements have contributed to the mercury plunging across various locations in the state, including Kandhamal district.
As the cold wave persists, residents continue to adapt to the challenging weather conditions while authorities monitor the situation closely.
