PHULBANI: Normal life was hit after mercury dropped to 4.5 degrees Celsius, the lowest this season so far, in Phulbani town of Kandhamal district on Tuesday.
Similarly, the temperature stood at 8 degree Celsius at Daringbadi. Apart from Phulbani and Daringbadi, the cold wave conditions swept across the district and paralysed normal life in G Udayagiri, Balliguda, Kotagarh and Tumudibandha blocks.
Sources said reports of fish and birds being found dead due to intense cold were received from different parts of the district, particularly the high-altitude areas of the region. On the other hand, a thin layer of ice was seen in interior areas of Daringbadi which attracted huge crowds, including tourists.
While night temperature has been gradually falling for the last three days in various parts of the district, dense fog enveloped most places hampering normal traffic, besides causing accidents.
Due to the cold wave, people are forced to remain indoors after evening till 10 am, said Bhagabati Prasad Sabat, a local. People at most places in the district can be seen sitting around fire during evening and morning hours.