Tentulia is suffering from the intensity of winter, less cold clothes than required

Public life has been disrupted in Tentulia, Panchagarh due to a severe cold wave. On Wednesday (January 7) morning, the lowest temperature recorded in Tentulia was only 7.5 degrees Celsius, which is one degree lower than yesterday. The previous day, Tuesday, the temperature was 8.5 degrees Celsius. Although the temperature has fluctuated between 10 and 15 degrees for the past few days, the sudden severe cold has increased the suffering of the people.

A mild to moderate cold wave is currently blowing over Panchagarh and several surrounding districts. Dense fog has added to this. Although the sun has not been seen for two consecutive days, the sun's face was seen for some time on Wednesday. However, normal life is being disrupted due to the bitter cold and thick fog.

Even though the outbreak of winter has increased, adequate cold clothes have not been distributed among the cold-stricken people yet. Locals complain that the amount of winter clothes allocated by the government is very less than the requirement. As a result, the poor and uprooted people are spending their days in extreme hardship to ward off the cold. Due to the cold, the common people, including daily wage workers, are unable to work properly.

According to doctors, children and the elderly are suffering the most from winter-related diseases. The number of patients with cold-related fever, cold and cough, and respiratory problems is increasing. Meanwhile, due to dense fog, vehicles have been seen driving on the highway with headlights on even during the day, which is also increasing the risk of accidents.

Officer-in-Charge of the Tentulia Meteorological Office, Jitendranath Roy, said that the temperature was recorded at 7.5 degrees Celsius in Tentulia on Wednesday morning, which is 1 degree lower than yesterday. He warned that if the temperature continues to drop like this, the intensity of the winter may increase further in the next few days.

Tentulia Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Afroz Shaheen Khasru said that the amount of winter clothes allocated by the government is insufficient compared to the need. He called on government and private organizations and various NGOs to stand by the cold-stricken people.

Dr. Shakil Rahman, Resident Medical Officer in Charge of Tentulia Hospital, said that special care should be taken for children and the elderly. He advised them to use warm clothes and to come to the hospital without delay if they experience any cold-related symptoms.

Mohammad Asif Ali, Panchagarh District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer, said that 21,140 pieces of blankets have been allocated for cold-stricken people in the district, which have already been distributed in five upazilas. In addition, a request for additional winter clothes has been sent to the higher authorities.

Maidul Islam, Project Implementation Officer of Tentulia Upazila, said that an allocation for blanket distribution has been sent to the chairman of each union parishad of 7 unions in Tentulia. However, locals complain that in many cases, uprooted and helpless people are going door to door to get winter clothes.

Tentulia Sadar Union Parishad Panel Chairman Mansur Ali said that a total of 226 blankets have been received from the government in his union, which is very less compared to the population of the union. As a result, it is not possible to provide winter clothes to everyone, he said.