Cold wave fails to relent in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 24 (PTI) The cold wave in Ladakh region ofJammu and Kashmir intensified further while there was norespite for residents of Kashmir as the minimum temperature inmost parts of the region stayed several degrees below thefreezing point.

The minimum temperature in Leh town of Ladakh region fellby 2.4 degrees to settle at minus 20 deg C while Kargil townwitnessed a drop of 3.2 degrees to record a low of minus 19deg C, a MET department official said.

Pahalgam and Gulmarg tourist resorts were the coldestplaces in the Valley as mercury hovered around 10.4 degreesbelow the freezing point.

Srinagar city witnessed a slightly warmer night at minus4.6 deg C, an increase of 0.2 degrees compared to yesterday.

Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir, was freezing atminus 8.2 deg C while the night temperature recorded inKokernag town in south Kashmir was minus 5 deg C.

Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 5deg C.

As a result of the freezing weather, most areas wear adeserted look soon after dusk.

Kashmir Valley is in the grip of an intense cold wave asit is witnessing the annual forty days of harsh winter,locally called ''Chillai Kalaan''.