KATHMANDU, JANUARY 8

All community and private schools within Birgunj Metropolitan City have closed for a week starting today due to the prolonged period of excessive cold.

The decision, made in response to the severe cold wave and thick fog affecting the region, was implemented until January 15.

Education Officer Hari Raut explained that the step was taken to address the challenges students were facing in their learning activities due to the intensified cold conditions. The decision was reached during a meeting of the metropolis' Education Committee on January 7.

However, some schools will continue teaching and learning activities until ongoing examinations are completed.

The chilling cold has significantly impacted normal life in Parsa, leading to an increase in patients seeking medical attention in various hospitals. Birgunj-based Narayani Hospital and government health institutions in remote areas have reported a rising number of patients with common cold, cough, fever, and respiratory problems, according to the District Health Office.

The cold weather has also resulted in reduced movement of people in the district headquarters and other market areas, as well as a decrease in the number of service recipients at government offices.

Narayani Hospital receives around 30-35 patients suffering from cold every day, as reported by the hospital's Information Officer, Uday Narayan Singh.