Patna, Dec 28 (IANS) The intense cold has claimed the lives of seven people in Bihar, as dense fog Sunday continued to affect normal life and disrupt air and rail traffic, officials said.

"Seven people have died since Friday due to the intense cold," an official of the state disaster management department said.

Patna Met office director A.K. Sen said chilling northwesterly winds were sweeping through the state.

"The icy winds will continue to blow over the state for another day," he said.

The minimum temperature in Gaya was 5 degrees Celsius, while it was six degrees in state capital Patna.

Air and rail services were disrupted due to the thick fog. Several flights and long-distance trains were delayed.