Daringibadi, Nov 14: A week of intense cold has gripped the towns of Udayagiri and Daringibadi, with temperatures plummeting to a record low of 7.6°C. The unrelenting cold wave is severely impacting daily life, with people facing distress in the harsh weather conditions.
Small vendors, particularly those selling goods by the roadside, are experiencing significant challenges as their businesses struggle in the freezing temperatures. The severe cold is making it difficult for people to step out of their homes, with some reporting that it is a struggle to be outside for even 10 hours a day. To protect themselves from the cold, many locals are lighting makeshift fires to keep warm.
The chilly weather, accompanied by biting winds, has left people scrambling to adjust to the extreme conditions. However, despite the discomfort, there has been a flow in tourists visiting the area to enjoy the winter chill. Popular tourist spots like the Kalinga Wildlife Sanctuary, Mukulingia Hilltop, Siriki Park, and Dams are attracting visitors eager to experience the winter season. Even coffee plantations are seeing an influx of tourists, with crowds flocking to view the picturesque landscapes.
The cold weather has also led to a beautiful display of flowers, with trees in full bloom despite the freezing temperatures. However, there are concerns that the flowers might be damaged if temperatures drop further to 3°C, according to officials from the Department of Horticulture.
In the mornings, the region is especially enchanting, with fog and mist making the landscape appear magical. The cold and misty mornings have transformed the local roads and trees, creating a surreal atmosphere. The visibility is poor due to the thick fog, making it difficult for commuters to navigate the roads.
Meteorological experts predict that the cold spell will continue and that temperatures could drop even further, adding to the already challenging conditions. The ongoing cold wave is likely to persist, with people in the region bracing for even lower temperatures in the coming days.
