Cold wave has killed at least 17 people across the Terai plains of Nepal in the past 10 days, reports from across the country said Wednesday.

As of today, seven individuals have died in Mahottari, five in Siraha, four in Rautahat and one in Bara districts since Dec. 15. The number of people visiting hospitals due to weather-related disease is increasing.

"Around 25 patients are visiting the hospital every day," a report said quoting Dr Prabin Jha of Rautahat district hospital as saying.

The districts where the deaths have been reported are some of the poorest Terai districts of Nepal. "Those people are dying who have no quilt or blanket to sleep with during the nights," Basanta Khatiwada, a Bara-based journalist told Xinhua.

"It would be better if some organizations come forward and distribute warm quilts and blankets to the poor," he added.

In Kailali of the far-western region, there is no sunshine since three-four days. "Thick fog is everywhere, but death due to cold or cold wave has not been reported here," said Yagya Raj Bhatta, a social worker.

In Jhapa of eastern region, no such death has been reported, said Nirmal Bhattarai, a resident of Lakhanpur-1. "There is sunshine but it is on and off. Parents are scrambling to protect their children from the bite of cold," he added.