The Dalit families at Dom Tol in Birgunj -17 have been greatly affected by cold wave. 

There are 11 Dalit families at Dom Tol who live in huts with thatched roofs that offer very little insulation against cold. 

Elderly and children have been hit hard. Many of them are suffering from cold related illnesses.

Making bonfires is the only way these Dalit families can stay warm because they cannot afford to buy winter wears.

Not just at Dom Tol, majority of the Dalit families throughout the Tarai region are struggle to get by during winter.

Cold forces Kapilvastu residents to stay indoors

Increasing cold has caused many people in Kapilvastu to spend their days indoors these days. There is a noticeable lull outdoors, with fewer people and vehicles on the streets. Meanwhile, the number of people with cold related diseases has also increased. Hospitals at Taulihawa, Pipara and Bahadurganj have reported a rise in number of patients with complaints of cold induced illnesses.  

 According to the Hydrology and Meteorology Office in Ramnagar, the minimum temperature in Kapilvastu stood at 9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. The maximum for the day was 14 degrees Celsius.