JUMLA: As temperatures plunge below zero degrees Celsius, residents of Jumla are grappling with the harsh realities of winter, significantly impacting their daily lives.

Sarita Neupane, a resident of Chandannath Municipality-4, expressed the challenges faced by locals as the mercury dips, making it difficult to venture outside in the mornings and evenings.

The frigid conditions have led to a surge in patients seeking medical attention at local health centers. Pujan Rokaya, the Director of Karnali Institute of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, reported a noticeable increase in individuals presenting cold-related complications.

Health centers are witnessing a rise in cases related to cold, asthma, and cold-induced diarrhea, with over 200 patients seeking treatment daily. The vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and pregnant women, are particularly affected by the intensifying cold, as highlighted by Kamal Rawat, Chief of Raralihi health post in Tila Rural Municipality.

The Weather Forecast Field Office in Jumla reports that the minimum temperature in the district has plummeted to -2.6 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature hovers around 15.6 degrees Celsius. As the biting cold continues to grip the region, local authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact on their health and well-being.