As a sharp dip in temperatures blankets Bihar, bringing foggy mornings and chilly conditions, the state's disaster management authorities have sprung into action. The Bihar State Disaster Management Department (DMD) officially issued a set of public advisories on Wednesday, urging residents to take immediate precautions against the intensifying cold wave.
Official Advisories for Public Health and Safety
In a post on its official social media platform X, the department confirmed that the cold wave has firmly set in across the region. The advisory places special emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups. It strongly recommends that individuals with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure, heart ailments, and diabetes keep their emergency medicines accessible and seek medical help without delay if symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia appear.
The department has issued specific directives to various institutions. Educational institutions have been asked to consider adjusting school timings to prevent children from traveling during the coldest, foggiest early morning hours. Simultaneously, district administrations have been instructed to ensure that night shelters are fully operational and available for homeless populations. Farmers have also received guidance to implement measures that shield their crops from potential frost damage.
Weather Conditions and IMD Forecast
According to the latest data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the weather across Bihar remained dry over the past 24 hours. However, a significant temperature range was recorded. Forbesganj in Araria district registered the highest maximum temperature at 28.2 degrees Celsius. In stark contrast, Sabour in Bhagalpur district recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at a chilly 9.1 degrees Celsius.
Currently, minimum temperatures throughout Bihar are fluctuating between 9.1°C and 15.6°C. The cold has been accompanied by reduced visibility due to fog. On Wednesday morning, Gaya and Valmikinagar experienced visibility dropping to as low as 200 metres, prompting additional safety warnings for commuters.
The IMD's forecast suggests that dry weather will persist over Bihar for the next seven days. No major change in temperature is expected over the next two to five days. However, dense fog is likely at isolated places in northwestern districts, with a possibility of it spreading to western and north-central regions between December 18 and 19.
Precautionary Measures and Air Quality
The DMD's comprehensive advisory covers daily safety aspects. People have been cautioned against driving during periods of dense fog to prevent accidents. For those using heating devices indoors, the department stressed the critical importance of ensuring proper ventilation to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, a silent but deadly threat in enclosed spaces.
On the administrative front, all district magistrates have been put on alert. They are tasked with coordinating the distribution of essential relief materials, such as blankets and firewood, to the most vulnerable sections of society to mitigate the cold's impact.
Meanwhile, in the state capital, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Patna was recorded at 186 at 4 pm on Wednesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. This reading places the city's air quality in the 'moderate' category.
