G. Udaygiri, Nov 19: G. Udaygiri in Kandhamal district is experiencing a severe cold wave, with temperatures dropping to as low as 5°C to 7°C for the past two weeks, breaking several long-standing records. Last night, the minimum temperature recorded was 5.6°C.

The cold is particularly intense at night, with people living in hilly areas relying on fires to stay warm during the day. An elderly person mentioned that people are lighting fires inside their homes to stay warm at night.

As the cold intensifies, it is causing additional hardship for the poor, especially in the hilly regions where the combination of chilly winds and the cold air from nearby waterfalls and dams makes the cold even more unbearable. In these areas, it is common to see people lighting fires along roadsides to protect themselves from the chill.

The trees, hills, and plants are lush and green, and flowers continue to bloom, presenting a beautiful view of nature despite the freezing temperatures. However, the intense cold is affecting daily life, causing physical discomfort and disruption.

The cold, along with dense fog and strong winds, is making travel on hilly roads difficult. Visibility is extremely low, and people are facing difficulties moving around. The extreme cold is particularly troublesome for villagers living in the hilly areas, where they struggle to go outside for even basic chores. Many people are forced to stay indoors for up to 10 hours a day to avoid the cold.

To protect themselves from the cold, people have been using fire for warmth, and the cold has disrupted daily activities, leaving the locals struggling to cope with the conditions.