Mountainous district of Manang on Monday saw its rivers frozen to rocky ice after the temperature dropped to minus 15 degrees Celsius. Thado River has turned into an icy surface as the flowing water has turned into solid ice, while Marshyangdi River too has started freezing, locals said.

Though most of the Manang dwellers have migrated to lower regions, Chame, the headquarters of Manang, is still occupied with few inhabitants. Khari Maya Gurung of Chame said that they have to boil snow to drink water. “All taps are functionless as the water inside has become concrete. People have been forced to stay indoors and marketplace is shut,” she told the Post. 

Chame Rural Municipality Chairman Lokendra Ghale has claimed that he would be available at his office despite the adverse weather. “The winter comes every year. It seems like it has reached extreme this year,” he said.

The temperature in Manang village has plunged to as low as minus 16 Degree Celsius, according to Annapurna Area Conservation Project (ACAP) conservation officer Babulal Tiruwa. He said villages like Thorangfedi, Khasang have witnessed the lowest temperature of minus 20 degree Celsius.

Chief District Officer Hari Prasad Pant said that minus 12 degree Celsius temperature was recorded in Manang on Monday morning. “We have no option but to sleep throughout the day and night under blanket. There is no possibility of resuming outdoor chores,” said Pant, “Taps and rivers have frozen. Temperature barely improves during day.”

CDO Pant said that the Administrative Office issued two citizenship certificates and received an application for passport on Monday.