Freezing temperatures add to the woes of Tarai’s poorest communities

Without proper shelter and clothing, families struggle to survive as a cold spell grips.

Joyalas Hawari, 65, sat in her courtyard in ward 3 of Birgunj Metropolitan City-13 on Thursday, basking in the afternoon sun. Despite the brief respite from the cold, she continued to shiver as she wore only light clothing. “The cold has been unbearable for the past week,” she said, her face pointed to the sun.