Intense cold takes a toll on water pipelines in Shopian

Shopian, Dec 20: South Kashmir’s Shopian district continues to reel under an intense cold wave with night temperatures plummeting to a bone-chilling minus 10 degrees Celsius.

While the sub-zero temperatures forced people, particularly children and the elderly, to restrict their movement, it took a toll on the plumbing system, freezing water pipes and tanks in the area.

According to independent weathermen, last night, the district recorded a low of minus 10 degrees Celsius, followed by Larnoo in Anantnag at minus 9.1 degrees Celsius.

“I have not seen such weather conditions even before the onset of Chilai Kalan,” said Muhammad Ashraf, a resident.

He said that the harsh weather had made it extremely difficult for the elderly and children to step out of their homes.

Muffled up in several layers of clothing, Ghulam Hassan Mir, a retired government employee said that he restricted his movement due to the intense cold.

“The icy winds sweeping through the area prompted me to stay cooped up at home,” Mir said.

He said that many residents from the area had already left for the warmer plains.

Amidst the biting cold, most residents were seen struggling to de-freeze the water taps and tanks in the area.

“Last night, both the water taps and tanks at my house froze, disrupting the water supply,” said Muhammad Abbas.

He said that since morning he was trying to de-freeze the pipes by pouring hot water over them.

In an attempt to prevent the pipes from freezing, most of the residents were engaged in wrapping them with pieces of cloth.