Intense cold wave persists in Bihar, Nitish reviews situation

Bihar continued to remain in the firm grip of the cold wave with chilly icy winds blowing in the districts.

Sabour township in Bhagalpur district was the coldest place in the state with the minimum temperature at 1.5 degree celsius, seven degrees below normal, Patna Meteorological Department Director A.K. Sen said.

There was slight improvement in the minimum temperature in Gopalganj district at 2.8 degree C in comparison to zero degree yesterday, he said adding that the temperature rose in Jehanabad and Vaishali districts to 4.2 and 3.6 degrees C against 0.2 and 0.7 degrees C respectively a day earlier.

In Patna too, the minimum temperature increased to 4.4 degree celsius against 1.1 degree C yesterday and the sun shone moderately throughout the day to bring respite to the people from shivering weather condition, the MET official said.

The weather will, however, improve over the next three-four days, Sen said.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reviewed the cold situation with disaster department officials and inquired about relief measures like distribution of blankets and bonnfire arrangements, an official release said.

Kumar directed the Principal Secretary (Disaster Management) Vyasji to personally monitor the relief measures to ensure respite to the people, particularly the poor and needy, from the cold wave condition.

Meanwhile, the cold wave accompanied by early hour fog continued to adversely affect rail and air services to and from Bihar, official sources said.