Cold wave affects normal life in Phulbani

Phulbani: Normal life was thrown out of gear today as mercury plummeted in different parts of the State coupled with incessant snowfall at scattered places.

People spent sleepless night and kept close to hearth to warm themselves. Daily wage labourers and makeshift shopkeepers were the worst affected due to severe cold in interior parts of the State.

"We are unable to do business and all the time we have to sit beside hearth," said a Daringbadi resident.

The bone-chilling cold has affected life, said another resident of Daringbadi.

In nine districts, the minimum temperature was below 10 degree Celsius. Minimum temperature of 5 degree Celsius and 5.5 degree Celsius were recorded in Phulbani and Daringbadi, respectively.