Cold wave claims 5 lives; toll at 83

Lucknow, Jan 6 (UNI) The spine-chilling cold wave moving across eastern Uttar Pradesh since last week claimed five more lives, taking the toll to 83.

Although, the cold wave continued to shiver UP for the eighth consecutive day today, the skyline was clear of the dense fog.

The weatherman attributed the extreme cold conditions to moisture from Rajasthan and snowfall in Uttarakhand.

A report from Gonda said three persons died of cold in the district during the last 24 hrs.

Meanwhile, two others also died in Aligarh.

All schools and colleges in Lucknow and other districts of the state have been closed till Sunday due to adverse weather conditions, Allahabad, Faizabad, Lucknow and Gorakhpur divisions witnessed a fall in the night temperature, the met office told UNI here.

Allahabad at 5.2 degrees Celsius -- 4 degrees below normal -- was the coldest place in UP. The state capital recorded 6.4 degrees, followed by Gorakhpur 5.5, Bahraich 5.8 and Bareilly 7 degrees.

However, Agra experienced a rise in the night temperature.

Owing to thick fog enveloping the tent city of Prayag, the pilgrims were posed with problems, a report said.

All major trains, including Chitrakoot Express, Delhi-bound Prayagraj Express, Gareeb Rath Express and Lucknow-bound Ganga Gompti Express, were running late due to fog.

In the coming days, minimum temperature in UP may drop below 6 degrees. Mornings would continue to be hazy. However, the density of fog would depend on moisture content in the atmosphere in the coming days.

UNI