SKARDU, Dec 17:  Severe cold wave has gripped the two districts of Baltistan, adding to the hardships of the local residents.   

After the winter season’s first snowfall in the region a week ago, the temperature has dipped to minus 10 degree Celsius. As a result drinking water supply system in most houses has been disrupted due to bursting of pipelines.

Severe harsh weather has forced people to remain inside of homes while shopkeepers have to close down their shops before the normal time. Due to cold spell, prices of warm clothes in the lunda markets have also been increased. Yet a large number of people are seen buying old clothes in the markets.

Some residents complained that the prices of LPG cylinders and firewood had also been increased manifold making purchase of these items out of the reach of common people. “The district administration is doing nothing to control prices of fuel items due to which we are facing hardships,” they maintained.

Reports coming from Khaplu, Shigar, Kharmang and Roundu, said hospitals and dispensaries in these areas were facing shortage of medicines owing to increase in number of patients. In these areas, most of the people are said to be having complaints of cardiac, asthma fever, pneumonia, cough and flu.