Deadly Cold Grips Sitamarhi: 22 Die, Heart Attacks Soar Amid Orange Alert

• Severe cold in Sitamarhi, Bihar, has caused 22 deaths and over 2000 illnesses in the past month.
• Prominent figures like Mani Bhushan Kumar (MD, Sitamarhi Central Co-operative Bank) and former journalist Brahmanand Chaudhary died from heart attacks.
• Heart specialist Dr. Purushottam Kumar notes 90 heart attack cases in a month, with 8 deaths due to delayed treatment; cold constricts veins, increasing clot risk.
• Sadar Hospital reports 6-7 critical cold-related patients daily with fluctuating BP, breathing issues, and chest pain.
• Meteorological Department issued an Orange Alert for dense fog and cold, predicting no relief until January 5.

Why It Matters: Sitamarhi faces a deadly cold wave causing numerous deaths, especially from heart attacks; vigilance advised.