Christian charities bring relief to Nepal’s poor amid cold

December 31, 2012 - Nepal’s Christian charities have swung into action with a severe cold snap gripping the Himalayan nation, causing immense suffering to the poor with several deaths reported. Whilst waiting for the government to provide aid, various local Christian organizations like Caritas Nepal and World Vision Nepal have begun handing out blankets and heavy clothing to the poor. The death toll from the cold snap that has gripped the southern Terai region since 15 December has reached 17. Located on the border with India, the area is considered one of the poorest in the country. Local sources said that heavy snow falls have blocked all the roads and ways of communications, including air travel. Rescue operations in the hardest-hit mountain villages have been hampered. Hospitals are overflowing with people suffering from hyperthermia or broken bones from falling on ice. Witnesses said that in some places temperatures dropped by 20 degrees in less than three hours, going from +20 º C down to the freezing point. In hilly and mountain regions, the mercury dropped to - 10 ºC, something exceptional in usually temperate areas. To avoid further loss of life, the authorities have closed all local schools and urged people to stay indoors.