Normal life in Sambalpur has been paralysed under the impact of intense cold-wave that has swept across the region where mercury level plunged below normal for the last one week.
On Tuesday, the minimum temperature was 8.3 degree C, while it was 7.7 on Wednesday. Thursday saw the lowest temperature of the season in the district at 6.7 degree C while Friday was slightly better off at 7.1. On Sunday, the temperature hovered around 7.6.
The situation particularly in hilly regions was worse. There has been no report of any casualties under the impact of cold wave from the district.
Night life in all parts of the district has come to a standstill. Roads wore deserted look in most areas. A large section of people, particularly the homeless, are seen hurdling up around bonfires to keep themselves warm during evenings.
However, the sudden dip in temperature has come as a blessing for the vendors selling winter garments.
