Eleven children died at Rangpur Medical College Hospital from cold diarrhoea and pneumonia In the last three days.
Due to the cold wave, various diseases like pneumonia, cold diarrhoea, cold fever, and breathing difficulties have spread widely in Rangpur.
Over 300 children are currently admitted to the hospital.
Due to a lack of space in the children's wards, many are forced to stay on the floors, as reported by their relatives.
Meanwhile, hundreds of mothers with their sick children from the surrounding districts have been waiting in a long line in front of the paediatric department outside the hospital since morning.
They said their children are severely ill with cold diarrhoea, pneumonia, and cold fever due to the intense cold. The doctors on duty at the outdoor department are sending back patients with less severe conditions due to a shortage of hospital beds.
Rangpur Medical College Hospital Director Dr Yunus Ali said: “The cold wave is leading to various illnesses such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, and respiratory issues. Most of the affected individuals are children and the elderly.”
He said: “At least 11 children have died due to cold-related illnesses within 3 days, which is not unusual for a hospital.” However, he emphasized that it's essential to keep children warm and ensure they wear warm clothing to prevent further cases of cold-related illnesses.
Dense fog and cold winds starting around 11pm continue until afternoon. As a result, vehicles are forced to drive with headlights on even during the day. The fog is so thick that objects within 2-3 feet are barely visible.
Amjad Hossain, a driver for SR Travels' night coach from Dhaka to Rangpur, said: “Due to the dense fog, what usually is a seven hour journey from Dhaka to Rangpur is taking 12 hours. Even driving with headlights and fog lights is becoming difficult.”
Rangpur Meteorological Office on Wednesday recorded a minimum temperature of 12°C. The maximum temperature was 18°C at around 5pm.
Assistant Meteorologist of Rangpur Meteorological Office Mostafizar Rahman said: “Due to the proximity of the minimum and maximum temperatures, the cold is being felt more intensely this winter. Temperature is likely to drop below 10°C, so there is a possibility of even colder weather in the next 2-4 days. Therefore, there is no chance of a reduction in the intensity of the cold.”
