Cold wave claims 21 lives in Uttar Pradesh, toll reaches 52

Lucknow, Dec 24: Twenty-one people have died due to intense cold in Uttar Pradesh taking the toll in the state in the prevailing cold wave to 52, officials said on Wednesday.

Most parts of the state shivered due to the inclement weather on Wednesday.

The minimum temperature in the state capital went down to 3.7 degrees Celsius on Tuesday night. The weatherman said it will be very cold in the coming days.

Snowfall in many parts of neighbouring Uttarakhand added to the winter chill.

The lowest temperature on Tuesday was in Churk in Sonbhadra district where the mercury dipped to 1.8 degrees Celsius.

Officials said at least 21 people have died in the state since Tuesday. The casualties were reported from Ghazipur, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Chandauli, Etah, Bhadohi, Baghpat and Ballia.

Arrangements have been made for temporary shelters and bonfires for the homeless, the officials added.

At least 31 people had died across the state till Monday due to the intense cold, officials said.

IANS