Cold wave claims 27 more in UP, toll 163

With the cold wave continuing in Uttar Pradesh, 27 more people were reported dead in the last 24 hours.

Six deaths were reported in Hamirpur, followed by five in Bahraich, two each in Faizabad, Amethi, Rae Bareli, Mirzapur, Chitrakoot, Jaunpur, and Robertsganj and one each in Balrampur and Budaun.

"Drastic fall in the temperature... between 10 and 12 degree Celsius, was largely responsible for the unbearable chill," said a spokesman of the state home department adding, "while the minimum temperature registered a rise from Tuesday's lowest of 3 degree to 5 degree Celsius, the day temperature had fallen 10

degrees below normal."

Weather reports ruled out any respite over the next 24 hours. Some reduction in fog, which continued to disrupt air, road, and rail traffic, is expected.

Earlier on Wednesday, 'bad weather' prevented Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat from reaching Allahabad, where he was scheduled to attend the 116th anniversary celebrations of the first sitting of the state legislature.