Cold waves in northern India claim 157 lives
By ANIWednesday, January 6, 2010
NEW DELHI/ UTTAR PRADESH/ BIHAR/ PUNJAB/ SRINAGAR - Despite a reduction in the intensity of cold waves on Tuesday on account of the sun coming out and raising the temperature in various parts of north India, the death toll of those affected by the extreme harsh weather is now reported to be over 157.
Around 37 more deaths were reported on Tuesday, with Uttar Pradesh alone accounting for 31 deaths.
The other six deaths were reported from Bihar.
Earlier on Tuesday, around 125 deaths were reported from across the country.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had on Tuesday ordered all schools to be closed for three days in view of the cold.
In Punjab, all schools have been closed till January 8 due to the cold.
In Delhi, there are no chances of precipitations; the Meteorological Department has forecast a maximum temperature of 19-degree Celsius and a minimum of 6-degree Celsius.
The traffic that was suspended on the 300 kilometer Srinagar-Jammu national highway on Monday due to slippery conditions caused by heavy snowfall has been reopened on Wednesday.
The suspension of traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway had left hundreds of trucks, passenger buses and tourist vehicles stranded. (ANI)
