Bitter cold in Gangtok claims one life

Gangtok, Jan 29 (UNI) The spine-chilling cold in the Himalayan capital claimed one life at Ranipool, 10 kms from here.

Official sources said the body has been identified as that of a roadside dweller.

The local Met department has recorded a minimum temperature hovering below two degrees Celsius. However, the at higher altitudes the temperatures dropped below zero degrees Celsius with heavy snowfall accompanied by drizzles at isolated areas.

The roads wore a deserted look as people remained indoors.

Popular tourist spots like Changu Lake and Nathu La have been covered with thick snow making it difficult for light vehicles to ply.

A blanket of thick fog with constant light drizzle has also enveloped parts of Sikkim which resulted in few accidents at Sombaria, West Sikkim.

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