Ranchi, Jan 5 - The ongoing cold wave has claimed 27 lives in Jharkhand, thrown life out of gear and forced the government to reschedule school timings in the state.

Dipping mercury and foggy weather have affected railway and bus services while attendance in offices has declined.

Schools in the state that opened Monday after Christmas holidays have rescheduled their timings effective Tuesday as per directives by respective district administrations.

State capital Ranchi, which witnessed a maximum of seven deaths, recorded the lowest temperature at 5 degrees Celsius on Sunday. The district administration is arranging bonfire at various locations in Ranchi. (IANS)