Cold wave kills 5; toll 67

Lucknow, Jan 3 (UNI) The extreme cold wave conditions prevailing in Uttar Pradesh in the last few days claimed five more lives since yesterday, taking the toll in the season so far to 67.

The entire UP reeled under cold wave for the fifth consecutive day, while the biting cold would continue in the coming week.

A report from Allahabad said two people died of cold under Police Lines and Dhoomanganj police station areas. So far, four people have died of cold in this district.

Meanwhile, three persons died of cold in Bhadohi district.

Owing to adverse weather conditions, all schools and colleges have been closed for two days in the UP capital and other districts of the state.

Allahabad, Agra and Bareilly divisions witnessed a fall in the night temperature, the met office told UNI here.

Allahabad at 6 degrees -- 3 degrees below normal -- was the coldest place in UP for the fourth consecutive day.

Varanasi recorded 8.2 degrees, Bareilly 7 degrees, while 7.4 degrees each was recorded in Kanpur.

Due to thick fog blanket, the road transport has came to a standstill in early and later hours.

All major trains, including Lucknow bound Ganga Gompti Express, North East Express, Jansadharan Express, Licchavi Express, Farraka Express, Delhi-bound Prayagraj Express and Reevan Express were running late due to fog.

According to weatherman, mornings would continue to be foggy.

However, the density of fog would depend on moisture content in the atmosphere and the velocity in the coming days.

UNI