Icy wind, dense fog disrupt life in Madhubani

Madhubani: People shivered under an unrelenting cold wave on Saturday, as icy northwesterly and dense fog disrupted daily life across Madhubani district. With temperatures plunging and visibility near zero, traffic slowed to a crawl, trains ran late, and markets remained deserted. The IMD has issued an orange alert for severe cold and fog through Dec 28, while the administration launched efforts to protect vulnerable groups with revised school timings and blanket distribution drives.Dense fog has rendered headlights ineffective, forcing vehicles to crawl with horns blaring in caution on roads. Besides, train delays have stranded several passengers, and outdoor markets wore a deserted look as people prefer the warmth of home. Health concerns are mounting too, with cold-related ailments on the rise.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange alerts for dense fog and persistent cold-day conditions in Madhubani on Saturday, with similar patterns expected through Dec 28. To protect young learners, school timings have been revised with no classes before 11am or after 3.30pm, as directed by the district administration.Meanwhile, relief efforts are underway to protect homeless from the severe cold. The district administration recently distributed warm blankets to 209 disabled and needy people at the Buniyaad Centre in Pandaul under the CM’s Clothing Distribution Programme.DM Anand Sharma handed over the blankets to the poor, assuring beneficiaries that the govt is committed to shield the most vulnerable during this harsh winter. He also instructed officials to expedite delivery of relief materials to ensure no one is left helpless in the cold.