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Tarai folks grapple with heat
KATHMANDU, JUN 08 -
The heat is getting intense by the day, affecting life in the Tarai region. Venturing outside has become tough resulting in a significant fall in the movement of people at marketplaces during the daytime in various Tarai districts.
Government offices in some districts have reported a sharp decrease in the number of service seekers, which they attribute to the sultry climate. Hospitals and health institutions, however, have witnessed a sudden surge in the number of patients, suffering from summer-related diseases.
The temperature of Kapilvastu district and its adjoining regions has surpassed the 40 degrees Celsius mark. The heat wave has made living indoors stifling as well. Elderly people and children are having difficulties adapting to the torrid weather.
Dr. Anantakumar Sharma of Taulihawa-based Kapilvastu District Hospital said the health institution is receiving 150 patients on a daily basis. A majority of them are suffering from summer-related diseases like diarrhoea, dysentery and fever, he said.
Meanwhile, private schools in Kapilvastu district on Tuesday announced it will suspend classes for one week in view of the increasing temperature. Just five days earlier, heat wave had caused the death of two persons -- a teacher and a child -- in the district.
In Rupandehi, patients suffering from typhoid, jaundice and conjunctivitis have overwhelmed most of the health institutions, including the Butwal-based Lumbini Zonal Hospital. Snakebites have also become common, as snakes come out of hibernation during the season.
The Bhairahawa-based weather station reported that the town's temperature was recorded at 39 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. The mercury has risen steadily over the last couple of days. Humidity is also high making the heat unbearable.
Due to excessive heat, most schools in Nawalparasi district are conducting morning classes. The District Education Office said morning classes were being run as the children suffered from heatstroke during the day.
The daytime highway traffic has dwindled, while the number of sick has shot up in the district.
Influx of patients at health centres in Tribeni, Paklihawa, Bhujahawa, Rampura Khadauna and Kushma, has gone up.
Health officials in the district have advised people to remain indoors during the daytime.
Posted on: 2010-06-09 07:31
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