Chuadanga has been reeling under an intense cold wave for the past several days, with dense fog and overcast skies keeping the sun hidden for three consecutive days. The prolonged absence of sunlight, combined with a light but biting wind, has sharply intensified the winter chill, forcing lakhs of residents to remain indoors.
Although the sun made a brief appearance around 10:00am on Monday, it failed to bring relief. The district recorded a minimum temperature of 11.7 degrees Celsius on Monday morning, while air humidity stood at 95 percent, worsening the cold sensation.
The ongoing cold spell has triggered a significant rise in cold-related illnesses, particularly among children and the elderly. Hospitals are reporting increasing cases of colds, coughs, fever, respiratory complications and diarrhea. During a visit to Chuadanga Sadar Hospital, it was found that 89 patients were admitted to the diarrhea ward, far exceeding its capacity of just 30 beds. Of those admitted, 80 were children. Hospital records show that 129 patients were admitted the previous day alone.
Hospital Superintendent Dr Bidyut Kumar said the surge in diarrhea cases is mainly linked to rotavirus infections. He urged people to drink safe water, maintain hygiene and stay in warm environments to reduce health risks, reports BSS.
The harsh weather has hit low-income and daily wage earners the hardest. Dense fog continues to fall like drizzle even during daylight hours, forcing vehicles to operate with headlights on for the past two days. As a result, movement on the streets has noticeably declined.
On Sunday night, Chuadanga Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Kamal Hossain distributed blankets among cold-affected and distressed people as part of government relief efforts.
Local workers say survival has become increasingly difficult. Mason Kalam Hossain said the biting cold makes work unbearable, while rickshaw puller Saidur reported a sharp drop in passengers. Daily wage labourer Sattar Ali added that without work, survival is impossible despite the severe cold.
Chuadanga Meteorological Office Officer-in-Charge Jaminur Rahman said persistent cloud cover has intensified the cold. He warned that if skies clear, temperatures may drop further, adding to the hardship.
