A severe cold wave, accompanied by dense fog, tightened its grip on Madhubani district on Saturday, bringing daily life to a near standstill. Residents shivered as icy northwesterly winds and near-zero visibility created hazardous conditions, slowing traffic to a crawl, delaying trains, and emptying out markets.
Transport Snarls and Health Concerns Mount
The relentless cold and fog rendered vehicle headlights almost useless, forcing drivers to proceed with extreme caution, their horns blaring constantly to signal presence on the roads. The railway network was also severely impacted, with multiple train delays leaving several passengers stranded at stations.
Outdoor markets and commercial areas wore a deserted look as people chose to stay indoors, seeking refuge from the biting cold. Health officials reported a worrying rise in cold-related ailments, with the elderly and children being particularly vulnerable.
Administration's Response: Alerts and Relief Measures
In response to the crisis, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for severe cold and dense fog in Madhubani, warning that the harsh conditions are likely to persist through December 28.
The district administration has activated several measures to mitigate the impact. To protect young students, school timings have been revised with strict instructions that no classes should be held before 11:00 AM or after 3:30 PM.
Simultaneously, relief efforts are focused on the most vulnerable sections of society. Under the Chief Minister’s Clothing Distribution Programme, the administration distributed warm blankets to 209 disabled and needy individuals at the Buniyaad Centre in Pandaul.
Government Assures Support for Vulnerable
District Magistrate Anand Sharma personally oversaw the distribution drive, handing blankets to the beneficiaries. He assured them that the government is committed to shielding the poor and homeless from the harsh winter. DM Sharma also instructed officials to expedite the delivery of all relief materials to ensure no one is left helpless in the freezing conditions.
As Madhubani continues to endure this intense cold spell, the combined challenges of freezing temperatures, disrupted transportation, and health risks underscore the critical need for continued administrative vigilance and public caution.
