Cold kills 5 in UP; season toll at 115

Lucknow, Jan 15 (UNI) The piercing cold wave conditions in eastern Uttar Pradesh since last couple of days claimed five more lives, taking the toll to 115 in the state so far.

According to weatherman, dry icy winds lashed the state, making people shiver even during the day despite bright sunshine. In the absence of humidity, the dry weather would continue in UP.

The weatherman has forecast a further drop in mercury in the coming days.

A report from Kushinagar said two people died of cold in the last 24 hrs, whicle one person each died in Basti, Siddharthnagar and Jhansi districts.

Mercury plummeted at night in Allahabad, Faizabad, Varanasi and Gorakhpur. The tent city of Prayag at 4.2 degrees Celsius remained the coldest place in UP. The state capital recorded 7 degrees.

Varanasi recorded 5 degrees, followed by 7 degrees in Bahraich.

A report from Sangam, Allahabad said pilgrims had to face hardships as the Ardh Kumbh Mela administration did not make proper bonfire arrangements even on Makar Sankranti.

Meanwhile, fog continued to disturb train schedules. 4723/4724 Kalindi Express, 5003/5004 Chauri Chaura Express and Farukhabad Passenger have been suspended till January 31.

UNI