Joypurhat shivers as temperature drops to record 9.5°C

A severe cold wave has swept through Joypurhat district, pushing temperatures down to a record low of 9.5 degrees Celsius and leaving daily wage earners and vulnerable communities struggling to cope with bone-chilling conditions.

According to Badalgachhi Meteorological Office, the lowest temperature was recorded at 9:00 AM on Saturday, marking 9.5 degrees Celsius; the lowest this season in the area.

A visit to Railway Hawkers Market in Joypurhat town revealed homeless and low-income people purchasing inexpensive warm clothing according to their limited means. 

Due to the intense cold, many shops remained closed, pedestrian movement dropped sharply and residents avoided going outdoors unless absolutely necessary. 

In several areas, people were seen lighting fires to keep warm.

Joypurhat District Hospital Superintendent Dr. Sardar Rashed Mobarak said the number of cold-related patients has increased significantly. 

“We are seeing a higher influx of patients suffering from cold-related illnesses, particularly children and the elderly,” he said.

District Relief and Disaster Management Officer Abdul Karim said the government has allocated Tk 3crore to purchase 10,000 blankets for cold-stricken people across the district’s five upazilas. 

Distribution is currently underway at upazila level.

He added that an additional 7,500 blankets received from the Chief Adviser’s Office are also being distributed. 

Alongside government efforts, various voluntary and social organisations are contributing to relief activities.

Vice President of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, Joypurhat unit, Motiur Rahman said blankets have been distributed based on lists of vulnerable people across all five upazilas. 

He also noted that Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion-20 has distributed more than 300 blankets.

Several local NGOs, including JAKS Foundation, JRDAM, Ahead Social Organization, Upoma Samaj Unnayan Sangstha, NRDS and Ausgara Unnayan Sangstha, have also carried out winter clothing distribution drives in different parts of the district.

As the cold wave persists, authorities and aid organisations continue their efforts to provide relief to those most affected.

SIS/Sh