Bihar is reeling under severe cold for the past four days forcing normal life grind to a halt. Schools have already been closed till next Sunday. The cold wave sweeping across the State has already taken a toll of 28 persons. Temperatures in Gaya and Patna have touched five degree Celsius as both places are reeling under worst cold conditions compared with past many years. “The cold wave is likely to continue for some more days with more intensity in different parts of Bihar,” weather official Animesh Chandra said. Besides, intense fog has been enveloping the entire stretch of northern parts of the State in the morning and evening, said Chandra. Meanwhile, the icy winds have forced the district administration to order closing down of schools in the State till Christmas. “In view of the severe cold all schools, private and Government, have been shut down for the convenience of the students,” said the district officials. Attendance in offices too has become thin and people prefer to remain inside their homes for most part of the day. Market too seemed deserted with very few shops open. The district administration, meanwhile, has arranged firewood for poor people living on the roadsides. Some of the non-Government organisations were seen distributing blankets and quilts to the poor on pavements. Train and air services too have been adversely affected. Long distance trains were reaching Patna hours behind schedule. Many long distance trains, originating from Patna, had been cancelled. Thousands of passengers were seen stranded at Patna junction. Amid heavy fog even during the day time, air services had also been badly disrupted. Many flights had been cancelled because of poor visibility. Passengers have been stranded at the Jay Prakash Narayan airport in Patna. Reports reaching the State capital said that cold wave conditions had further intensified in Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Munger and Begusarai districts. “With the icy winds blowing across the State, particularly in Patna and Gaya, general life has come to a halt in Bihar for the last four-five days and we along with our family members prefer to remain inside,” said Satya Prakash, a private company executive.