Heat wave scorches Tarai, Sarlahi residents bear brunt

By Janarjan Khatri,Sarlahi, Apr. 16: The scorching heat in recent days has begun to take its toll on life in the Tarai districts, including Sarlahi. In many areas, the relentless sun throughout the day increases the temperatures, leaving the public sweltering. 

Hot winds exacerbate the afternoon heat, making conditions unbearable.

Residents have raised concerns about the surge in mosquito activity accompanying the rising summer temperatures. 

Pradeep Khadka from Lalbandi Municipality-7 expressed dismay over the extreme afternoon heat and the increasing mosquito menace after dusk. The scorching heat has adversely affected daily wage labourers and farmers who toil in the fields. As summer sets in, streets and marketplaces appear deserted, reflecting the economic downturn exacerbated by dwindling foot traffic.

Business owners, grappling with declining sales amid thinning crowds, face additional challenges as the heat intensifies. Markets in Lalbandi, Hariwan, Barhathwa, Malangwa, Byalwas, Haripur, and Godaita, among others, look deserted in the afternoon.

Ramakrishna Sah, a cloth merchant at Malangwa market, lamented the decline in business activity as the summer heat drives customers away. The increase in dryness has led to a surge in dust, affecting pedestrians, motorcyclists, and passengers on unpaved roads.

The onset of dry weather has reignited forest fires across the district. Locals reported incidents of fires in many areas, with greenery and vegetation already affected by the early arrival of summer.

With the changing weather patterns, daily occurrences of fever, typhoid, and other infectious diseases have surged. Doctors advise residents to stay indoors during peak hours, wear masks outdoors, stay hydrated, avoid consuming food prepared outside and take necessary health precautions.

Dr. Galin Narayan Das, in charge at City Hospital Ishwarpur, noted a rise in patients seeking treatment for heat-related illnesses as temperatures soar.