Bhubaneswar, Dec. 31 -- Kandhamal district has been reeling under severe cold conditions for nearly one and a half months, with temperature consistently remaining below 10 degrees Celsius since November 10. The prolonged cold wave has caused significant discomfort to residents, particularly in interior and hilly areas, where the impact has been more pronounced.

On Wednesday, mercury dipped below 5 degrees Celsius in the district. G Udayagiri recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 4.3 degrees Celsius, followed by Phulbani at 6 degrees Celsius and Daringbadi at 7 degrees Celsius. Compared to urban pockets, temperature in rural and hilly regions have been recorded 2 to 3 degrees lower, intensifying the cold wave conditions.

Residents r...