New Delhi, Jan 18: Many parts of India continued to
bear the onslaught of bone-chilling cold wave that claimed 31
more lives raising the death toll this winter to 571 as dense
fog once again played havoc with rail, road and air traffic
today.
Twenty nine people succumbed to severe cold overnight in
Uttar Pradesh bringing the number of fatalities in the state
to 381 as authorities shut schools in Meerut district till
January 21.
Mercury in Kanpur, which dipped to 0.6 degree celsius
yesterday, rose marginally providing some respite to the
people as the demand for coal and wood soared in the state
leading to spurt in their prices.
Freezing winds continued to sweep Bihar where Buddhist
pilgrimage centre Gaya and Patna recorded lows of 4.3 degrees
and 4.9 degrees celsius respectively.
Icy winds coupled with thick fog affected normal life in
the state as met office promised no respite from the chilly
weather that has claimed 90 lives so far.
Unofficial sources put the death toll in Bihar at 210.
Bureau Report
