A thick blanket of fog and a severe cold wave had disrupted daily life in Bhairahawa and surrounding areas of Rupandehi district. The adverse weather conditions have impacted road and air transportation, leaving locals struggling to cope with the cold.
Operations at Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) have been severely affected for the past two days due to poor visibility. According to Binod Rawat, Information Officer at GBIA, normal flight operations require a visibility of 1,800 meters. However, the current visibility levels have been insufficient, forcing flight cancellations and delays.
Under normal circumstances, Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Shree Airlines operate 18 to 20 flights daily between Bhairahawa and Kathmandu, with an additional flight to Pokhara. Approximately 2,600 passengers use the airport each day, making the disruption a significant inconvenience for travelers.
The cold wave and persistent fog have also led to a noticeable reduction in road traffic, with fewer vehicles and pedestrians seen in the area. Many locals are taking refuge from the cold by lighting fires along streets, sidewalks, and community spaces to stay warm.
The meteorological forecast predicts that similar conditions, including dense fog and a cold wave, will persist for the next few days, potentially continuing to disrupt daily life and transportation in the region.
The situation highlights the challenges posed by winter weather and underscores the need for preparedness to mitigate its impact on public life and transportation networks.