Freezing cold prevailed all over Kalahandi with the temperature dipping to as low as 6.5 degrees Celsius. While the residents shivered under the cold wave, a 65-year-old man reportedly died of burn injury as he was warming himself up by making fire under his cot. The deceased was Bhagaban Majhi of lanjigarh road village under Sikerkupa outpost. He received 70 per cent burn injuries. He was being sent to the Bhawanipatna Headquarters Hospital when he died on the way.
Besides, hundreds of old people and children were severely affected by the cold. Many were also reported to be suffering from fever at various hospitals in the district. Similarly, people were affected by skin diseases, including cracks in legs and faces. The prices of woolen dresses have jacked up. Agricultural activities have also got affected due to the cold wave.