KATHMANDU, Jan. 9 (Xinhuanet) -- At least 11 persons died in different districts within the last 24 hours as a severe cold wave gripped the Terai belt of central Nepal, state-run Radio Nepal reported Monday.

    "One Indian pilgrim in the Gopal Dharmashala and one person each at Ramananda chowk and Sigyani village died due to the cold in Dhanusha district, some 200 km southeast of Kathmandu," the radio said.

    Similarly, two people of Gaur city died Sunday evening in Rautahat district, some 100 km south of Kathmandu, the radio noted,adding the cold wave has hit children and aged people the most.

    In Jaleshwor city of Mahottari district, neighboring Dhanusha district, the cold wave claimed an old woman.

    A pneumonia epidemic too has gripped the district as a result of the cold wave. There is a surge of pneumonia patients at the district hospital, health posts and sub health post in the district where other four persons died due to the cold.

    Meanwhile, an old woman died due to cold wave in Birgunj city of Bara district, neighboring Rautahat district, the radio quoted the District Police Office as saying.

    The cold wave and fog also affected air flights in some of those areas. "Even the birds were hit hard by the cold wave," the radio added. Enditem