World | India
Scores die after deadly cold spell sweeps India
At least 55 people have died over the past four days in northern and eastern India as a spell of cold weather swept the region, officials said on Monday.
- AP
- Published: 15:07 January 5, 2009
Patna: At least 55 people have died over the past four days in northern and eastern India as a spell of cold weather swept the region, officials said on Monday.
In the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, 24 people have died from biting cold in rural areas, a disaster management official said from Lucknow, the state capital.
Authorities in adjoining Bihar state said they have received reports of 31 deaths over the past four days.
Police said a group of teachers used books meant for poor children in the impoverished state's Gaya district for a bonfire.
"They (teachers) burned some 500 books packed in two gunny bags to get warm," said Hansnath Singh, a senior police officer.
Dense fog in most parts of India has already affected train and flight services, and homeless people can be seen huddling around bonfires after nightfall in the capital, New Delhi, and other cities.
News Editor's choice
-
6,000 cups and counting: Addicted to that tea
This cafeteria in Al Mamzar attracts thousands of customers daily, including the rich and not so rich
-
Swimming pool horror: Twins hospitalised
Twins rushed to hospital after collapsing from chlorine inhalation at swimming pool in their villa
-
Play your cards right with credit card interest
UAE Central Bank plans to cap interest rates, but are you paying thirty-five per cent now?
