Kumaon region in grip of severe cold wave

BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, January 30

Severe cold conditions prevailed in the entire Kumaon region as temperatures dipped below zero degree at some places due to continuous snowfall and hailstones in high peaks of the Himalayan ranges, according to reports.

The Kalapani pond, origin of the Kali river, has remained frozen up to almost 5 km downward since January 5, as snowfall continues in this part of the Nepal border. “The motion of the river seems standstill at its source and from Kalapani to Gunji downwards as the temperature is continuing to be around -10°C,” said Barjit Singh, an ITBP official from Didihat.

He said the ITBP was taking extra caution at border posts due to the prevailing inclement weather conditions. “We are expecting such conditions to remain till March as the weather has become uneven compared to last years,” he added.

Severe cold conditions are prevailing in Pithoragarh and Champawat districts. “Cold conditions are expected to intensify in coming days as the weather department has forecast activity in western disturbances in February,” said a weather department spokesman in Pithoragarh town.