BAJURA: A 60-year-old man lost his life due to excessive cold in Bajura district of far western Nepal.

It has been learned that the deceased, Sarpa Neupane, who suffered from asthma, died at Bamanthan of Sapatta-7 in the district.

According to the Martadi-based District Health Office, the number of people suffering from respiratory illnesses has increased in the district headquarters and other rural areas after temperatures plummeted since the last week.

"Cold has hit life hard. Many children and elderly are taken ill due to the cold spell," said Dr Mohan Nath at the District Hospital.

According to him, 30 per cent patients visiting the hospital's outpatient department suffer from cold related diseases and 25 per cent need to be admitted to the emergency for treatment.