A cold wave continued to sweep across Bihar with a minimum temperature of 9.9 degree Celsius affecting normal life for the fourth consecutive day on Tuesday.

Meteorological department sources said the prevailing weather conditions, caused by western disturbances, were likely to continue for the next 48 hours.

Official sources confirmed 11 deaths due to the cold. Unofficial sources, however, said 55 had died.

Bihar's Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, Navin Verma, said he had asked all district magistrates to investigate the deaths and take preventive measures to bring relief to the people, particularly those belonging to the economically weak sections.

They had also been asked to allow the use of public buildings like schools and community halls to give shelter to the homeless. The Buddhist pilgrim centre, Bodh Gaya, remained the coldest place in the state forcing most people to remain indoors.