NEW DELHI, Dec 31 (KUNA) -- As many as 69 persons have died in Uttar Pradesh state alone due to an intense cold wave that swept across most of north-Indian states like Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, it was reported here Monday.
According to a Press Trust of India (PTI) report, people, particularly the poor, could be seen sitting around bonfires in order to fight the Delhi's chill. Meteorological department has predicted intense cold and foggy conditions for the next few days.
December and January are considered to be very cold in north India. At times in the recent years, mercury has dipped below one degrees Celsius. The famous 'Dal Lake' in Jammu and Kashmir Capital Srinagar often freezes for a week or 10 days when temperature there falls below zero degrees Celsius.
Considering chilly winds and very cold conditions, state governments make special 'night shelters' for the poor and destitute. But, despite tall claims made by state governments, a large number of people die every year because of lack of proper food and warm-clothing. (end) py.hb KUNA 311808 Dec 12NNNN