Panchagarh, Dec 11 (V7N) – Cold winds sweeping down from the north have caused temperatures in Panchagarh to fluctuate significantly, intensifying the cold and plunging residents into severe discomfort.

At 9 am on Thursday, the Tentulia Weather Observatory recorded a temperature of 8.9°C, the lowest of the season so far.

As the cold deepens, daily life in the district has become increasingly difficult. Low-income workers continue to head to fields, ghats, and workplaces despite the bone-chilling weather. Many residents are burning straw on roadsides, in front of homes, and near tea stalls in an attempt to stay warm—sometimes resulting in burn injuries.

Hospitals are also seeing a rise in cold-related illnesses. Patient numbers are increasing at Panchagarh Modern Sadar Hospital and all four upazila health complexes across the district.

Meanwhile, winter clothing has begun to pile up in local markets, and farmers remain busy harvesting and transporting winter vegetables.

Alam Hossain, a farmer from Satmara in Sadar Upazila, said, “When winter comes, our work becomes more hectic. Every morning we collect vegetables from the fields and prepare them for the market.”

Ramzan Ali, a van driver from the district town, shared his struggle, saying, “It has been very cold for a few days. If we poor people don’t work, we don’t eat. So we are forced to go out despite the cold.”

Jitendranath Roy, Officer-in-Charge of the Tentulia Weather Observatory, said, “After the minimum temperature remained at 10°C for five consecutive days, it has dropped further today. At 9 am, the temperature stood at 8.9°C. A mild cold wave is passing over the district, with humidity at 78%. The temperature may drop further.”

Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Kazi Md. Sayemuzzaman said the administration is prioritizing assistance for cold-affected residents. “An allocation of Tk 3 million has been received from the Disaster Management Department. With this, 8,640 blankets have been purchased and distributed across 43 unions in five upazilas. A request for an additional 65,000 blankets has also been sent to the ministry,” he said.

END/SMA/AJ