A brutal cold wave has seized Patna, plunging the state capital into a public health crisis. Major hospitals are reporting a alarming spike in patients suffering from critical conditions like brain haemorrhage, heart attacks, pneumonia, and severe chest infections, prompting authorities to flag an emergency situation.
Hospitals Overwhelmed as Cold Takes a Deadly Toll
Leading healthcare institutions, including the Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) and Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH), are witnessing a near-doubling of such serious cases. Dr. Kaushal Kishore, Principal of PMCH, explained that plummeting temperatures cause a sharp, often symptomless, rise in blood pressure, leading to sudden medical emergencies. "The only preventive measures are to stay warm, remain indoors as much as possible, and get regular health check-ups," Dr. Kishore advised.
Resident doctors at NMCH highlighted the fatal pattern, noting that these emergencies strike suddenly, a trend repeated every year during intense cold spells. The situation has turned particularly grave with the city recording one of the lowest temperatures in Bihar.
Record Low Temperatures and IMD Warnings
On Sunday, Patna's temperature struggled between a maximum of 14.5°C and a minimum of 10.6°C—a dangerously narrow gap of just 3.9 degrees that trapped the city in a persistent chill. A complete lack of sunlight and continuous cold winds prevented any daytime warming. Meanwhile, Sabour in Bhagalpur recorded the state's lowest minimum at 6.4°C.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Patna has issued stern warnings, with 'cold day' conditions expected to persist throughout the weekend and dense fog alerts in place until at least January 10. The IMD bulletin noted a drastic 5 to 7 degrees Celsius drop in maximum temperatures across Bihar within 24 hours on Sunday. While Sheikhpura recorded the highest maximum at 19.5°C, dense fog slashed visibility to as low as 50 metres in Valmiki Nagar, with humidity hitting 100% in seven districts.
Forecasters warn that minimum temperatures could dip further by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius by the week's end, with nights likely to hover between 6°C and 8°C statewide.
Daily Wage Earners Bear the Brunt
The extreme weather is crippling daily life, especially for outdoor workers. Mukesh, a Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) worker with 18 years of service, described the ordeal of the 6 am shift. Thick fog and near-zero visibility make commuting 10-12 km hazardous, causing delays that lead to salary deductions. He appealed for winter timings to be extended to 7 am and highlighted the lack of provision for warm clothing, forcing workers into a hand-to-mouth existence where buying essentials like winter wear becomes impossible.
With dry but harsh conditions predicted for the coming week, the combined assault of severe cold and dense fog is set to continue disrupting normal life across Bihar, posing severe health risks and operational challenges for its residents.
