On Sunday, the low pressure system travelled northwards after crossing Tokyo and dumping more snow in the northern parts of the country. Several territories in the northeastern part of the country were the worst affected. According to media reports, till now the Japan Fire and Disaster Management Agency has confirmed more than 20 deaths and 365 injuries from this region. Thousands of injuries due to snow-related accidents have been reported nationwide.
Traffic paralyzed
The snowstorm has severely affected traffic and caused power outages as well. Traffic came to a standstill for several hours on Tuesday as the passengers struggled to make their way through snow-choked roads. The situation became so repugnant in some areas that transport officials had to deliver food to the passengers and make arrangements for toilets. Hundreds of flights and trains were also delayed and even suspended.
In central Japan, Yamanashi prefecture has recorded more than 1.1 metres of snow and Oyama in Shizuoka Prefecture received 1 meter. The local police reported that two men were frozen to death while trying to walk back home after being stranded in their cars. Emergency and disaster task forces have been set up by the government to deal with the disastrous consequence of the snowstorm.
picture courtesy-Shizuo Kambayashi