11.   The meteorological office said a break in the heat wave in northern regions is expected by Monday, with cooler breeze and possibly rain refreshing the lowlands.

12.   The meteorological offices in northern districts are finding it difficult to function due to lack of essential personnel and equipment.

13.   The meteorological office said it would continue Thursday night and start letting up Friday.

14.   The rains were caused by a tropical storm system hovering over the western Caribbean, the meteorological office said.

15.   However, the city was not out of danger yet, with the meteorological office predicting rain later Saturday and warning of possible landslides.

16.   An earthquake measuring five on the Richter scale rattled the Indonesian province of Aceh in northern Sumatra Thursday but caused no damage or casualty, the meteorological office said.

17.   Calcutta and its neighbouring areas have been receiving heavy rainfall since Friday, which the meteorological office predicts will not end soon.

18.   The rain eased during Thursday throughout Britain and Northern Ireland, while the meteorological office forecast calmer weather for the coming days.

19.   There were no reports of casualties or damage, the meteorological office here said.

20.   Meteorological office sources said the wave was likely to continue until Saturday.