A severe heatwave has been sweeping through Phulbari in Kurigram for several days. The scorching heat of the sun has left people, animals, and birds in distress across the upazila. As the day progresses, the rising temperature has caused extreme discomfort in daily life. The intense heat and blazing sun have made it difficult for day laborers to work in fields and open areas.
Van pullers from the Shah Bazar area, including Shallu Miya, Ashraful, Laifur Rahman, and Kalu Miya, said, “For the past few days, the heat has been so intense that it’s impossible to go out on the paved roads with our vans. In this heat, the tires of rickshaws and vans are getting punctured, and with fewer passengers on the roads, our earnings have also dropped. If this scorching heat continues, working will become extremely difficult. But if we don’t work, how will we run our households?”
On the other hand, pedestrians reported that the roads have become extremely hot due to the sun’s intense heat, making movement very difficult. They are using umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun’s rays.
Alongside humans, animals and birds are also suffering in the heat. They can be seen drinking dirty water or lying in it just to cool off. Some people are seeking relief by sitting under trees, in roadside shops, or bathing in ponds and rivers.
Subal Chandra, the officer of the Kurigram Rajarhat Weather Observatory, stated that there is a possibility of rainfall after the 14th. As of 3 PM today, the temperature in Phulbari and Kurigram district was recorded at 36.6 degrees Celsius.
