NEW DELHI, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- A total of 46 people have died in India as heavy snowfall plagues northern portions of the country, authorities said Sunday.
Cold and snowy conditions threatened northern states such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, leading to 15 recent deaths and the closure of regional schools, the Press Trust of India reported.
Three of the deaths from extreme cold occurred in Jammu and another 12 took place in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Some areas of northern India have been besieged by nearly a foot and a half of snow since Saturday alone, while others have been coated with a thick fog.
The fog has been blamed for significantly disrupting all travel in those areas affected, including all air, road and train travel.
Nearly 18 flights in the capital of New Delhi were delayed by the heavy fog, while weather conditions forced the cancellation or merger of nearly 15 additional flights, the Press Trust reported.
