As temperatures plummet in Nepal’s Terai region, the risk of cold waves is escalating. Several districts have been shrouded in dense fog for the past five days, amplifying the cold. However, adequate preparedness to mitigate the impact of cold waves remains insufficient. Government data reveals that 116 lives were lost to cold waves over the last 11 years.
Fatalities in the Past Decade
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), 116 people died between 2068 BS (2011/12 AD) and the 13th of Poush 2079 BS (December 2022). Rautahat reported the highest fatalities, with 63 deaths. Other districts affected include Saptari (19), Mahottari (15), Siraha (11), Dhanusha (4), Bara (2), and one death each in Jhapa and Nawalparasi.
The authority’s data also shows that 66 people died in the single year of 2068 BS, while 48 deaths occurred in 2074 BS. In other years, while cold waves did not directly cause deaths, incidents linked to heating practices, such as fires from wood stoves or heaters, claimed lives.
Challenges in Verification and Preparedness
Recently, confirming deaths caused by cold waves has become challenging. NDRRMA spokesperson Dr. Dijan Bhattarai emphasized that such deaths must now be certified by medical professionals.
“Deaths directly attributable to cold waves are difficult to confirm. Now, doctors must verify whether a death is due to a cold wave,” Dr. Bhattarai explained. He added that local governments are tasked with distributing warm clothing, but their capacities must be enhanced. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has promised timely updates on cold wave conditions.
Affected Districts
Highly affected districts include the southern part of Sunsari, Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, Parsa, Nawalparasi West, and Kapilvastu. Moderately affected districts are Jhapa, Morang, Udayapur, Chitwan, Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali, and Kanchanpur.
Firewood Distribution
Uddhav Bahadur Ghimire, Secretary of the Ministry of Forests and Environment for Koshi Province, stated that divisional forest offices in eight districts have been instructed to distribute firewood. “We allocated NPR 1 million per district for firewood distribution in affected areas. Firewood is distributed in groups for communal use rather than door-to-door,” he said.
Climate Impact and Mitigation
Climatologist Manjeet Dhakal noted that irregular weather patterns and intensified cold waves are consequences of climate change. He stressed the need for disaster risk reduction measures and prioritizing climate adaptation programs.
Need for Local Capacity Building
Despite assigning disaster management responsibilities to local governments, their lack of capacity and neglect of early warnings hinder effective mitigation. According to disaster management expert Dr. Dharma Raj Upreti, local governments need the technical knowledge to recognize and respond to cold waves effectively.
Dr. Upreti highlighted that cold wave conditions occur when temperatures in the Terai remain below 10°C for over two days. He urged local governments to distribute warm clothing immediately to mitigate the cold’s impact.
Health Implications of Cold Waves
Health experts advise taking precautions to avoid health complications during cold waves. Public health expert Dr. Samir Adhikari noted that sudden drops in temperature can cause pneumonia, skin issues, colds, and exacerbate chronic illnesses. Cardiologist Dr. Ranjit Sharma explained that cold increases blood viscosity and constricts blood vessels, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Government Plans and Guidelines
The government’s “Cold Wave and Snowfall Risk Reduction and Response Guidelines, 2077” outlines measures such as raising awareness, providing warm clothing, and distributing relief materials like firewood and blankets. The guidelines also emphasize disseminating weather forecasts through bulletins and media and preparing for potential disasters, such as vehicle accidents and fires caused by heating equipment.