People in Bajhang are reeling under severe cold lately because of sudden drop in temperature.

Fewer hours of daylight as a result of fog and haze has also contributed to the weather.

“We had never experienced such weather this time of the year. For as long as I can remember, it is usually during April and May when we have foggy weather,” said 81-year-old Dallo Bista, a resident of Pimi.

The temperature started plummeting two weeks ago, affecting the people from impoverished community who live in poorly-built

shelters, without warm clothes and blankets. Elderly persons and children have been hit hard.

Dr Purna Bahadur Gharti of Bajhang District Hospital said people suffering from common cold, pneumonia and asthma have increased in the recent times.

“We are receiving up to 50 people with respiratory problems and nearly 10 out them have to be admitted,” he said.

Environmentalists say dust particles in the air formed after a long drought caused the haze. They have warned that the situation could go worse if there is no rainfall in the near future.  

 “The weather is dry and the wind current is also not strong. This has resulted in deposition of pollutants in the air. If this situation persists, the number of people suffering from respiratory diseases could go up,” Sudip Raj Timilsina, the programme officer of Samajik Bikash Kendra Nepal, an environmental firm.