PESHAWAR:
The unprecedented winter in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has brought life to a standstill in the plains and upper regions of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with Peshawar suffering from severe dust pollution. This has led to widespread cases of respiratory infections, colds, sore throats and dry coughs.
According to the Meteorological Department, there is no chance of rain in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa until the first week of January.
In the high regions, especially in Dir, the formation of frost made traffic on the roads practically impossible until 9 in the morning. Staff members are finding it difficult to report to government offices on time. Upper Dir is currently in the grip of historic cold, with temperatures dropping from -4°C to -5°C, according to weather updates. The growing cold is affecting people of all ages, causing chest infections, throat problems and dry coughs.
Doctors report that the majority of patients visiting hospitals suffer from these infections, with children between 8 and 10 years old being the most affected. In areas like Kohistan, Ashiri Dara, Barawal and Lowari Pass, icy roads have become a common problem.
Drivers often wait until 9 or 10 a.m. for the frost to melt before they can start their vehicles, disrupting the supply of essential items in urban areas and making it difficult for government employees to reach jobs on time. offices.
Dr. Jahanzeb advises parents to protect children from cold-related illnesses by ensuring they are dressed in warm clothing. It also suggests that people in general should avoid exposure to cold winds in the early morning hours to stay safe.
Last week, seven districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa were reported to have been gripped by bitter cold, with temperatures falling below freezing.
Residents in these areas have confined themselves to their homes due to bad weather. Even the provincial capital Peshawar has recorded a significant drop in temperature, reaching up to 1°C due to the cold wave.
The minimum temperature in Kalam, the tourist area of Swat, fell to -6°C, while Chitral, Upper Dir and Malam Jabba recorded -4°C. Most districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa experienced cold and dry weather, and a severe cold wave persisted in the upper regions.
