Wilting heat wave claims 9 lives, UP toll at 57

Lucknow, June 8 (UNI) The searing heat wave in Uttar Pradesh has claimed nine more lives, taking the toll so far to 57.

According to reports, in the last 24 hrs, five persons died of heat stroke aboard a train in Allahabad. Besides, two persons died in Kanpur, while one each succumbed in Lalitpur and Pratapgarh districts.

The soaring temperature has left UPites sweating and according to weathermen, no respite is expected in the coming weeks.

In the state capital, streets remain deserted in afternoons as people preferred staying indoors.

Mercury was recorded above normal in Varanasi, Lucknow, Banda, Allahabad and Kanpur divisions.

Banda, for the third consecutive day, was the hottest at 45.5 degrees Celsius. Lucknow recorded 44 degrees -- 4 degrees above normal. The weather was mainly dry at other places.

A report from Allahabad said scorching heat has made life tough for the masses. The problem has been compounded by load shedding and water crises.

UNI