Heavy snowfall in Japan has broken all records this winter, with many cities reporting snowfall of about 5 to 10 inches. Normal life has come to a halt, leaving 11 dead and more than 1200 injured across the country. And forecast of more snowfall will have a major impact on the voter turnout in the crucial time of elections.
Here’s a look at some of the highlights of this stormy and barmy weather in Japan:
- Tokyo records approximately 11 inches of snow till late Saturday, the heaviest fall in the city in 45 years.
- A heavy snow/storm warning has been issued in Tokyo, the first such warning in 13 years.
- The northeastern city of Sendai witnesses 13.8 inches of snow, the heaviest in 78 years.
- 11 people are dead and more than 1200 injured in just two days. There are chances of number of casualties going up. Most people are dying in road accidents with cars slipping and skidding on icy roads.
- More than 20,000 households are living in darkness as a result of massive power cuts across the country. “3,400 households lost power in Tokyo because of the heavy snow”, said a Tokyo Electric Power spokesman.
- Over 5,000 people have been stranded at Narita and Haneda airport, asking for reimbursements. 615 flights, with 400 domestic flights have been cancelled in a day. Over 740 flights were grounded.
- Airports in the western cities of Hiroshima and Kagawa were closed as operators removed thick layers of snow from the runways.
- Blocks of snow have led to the closing of many expressways in central Japan. Shinkansen bullet trains have also been suspended.
- Entrance examinations for the new academic year (starting in April) have been delayed in many universities.
- Snowfall of up to 20 centimeter is expected on Saturday afternoon and early Sunday in Tokyo. Strong winds and high waves are the forecast for eastern Japan.
Photo by breakingnews.
