MUMBAI (AFP) - INDIAN authorities on Wednesday ordered all schools and colleges in the vast city of Mumbai to shut for a week over fears about the spread of H1N1 flu.

The state government of Maharashtra has had the highest incidence of H1N1 flu fatalities in India, with four people dying over the last ten days in Pune, 120 kilometres from Mumbai.

'The government has decided to close down schools, colleges and coaching classes in the entire city for a week starting on Thursday,' said Suresh Wandile, spokesman for the state's chief minister.

Mumbai is a teeming industrial and financial city with an estimated population of 18 million people.

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