169 injured as heavy snow hit Japan

Tokyo, Jan 18: At least 169 people were injured in Tokyo as heavy snow hit Japan on Monday.

Around 8,400 households suffered power blackout due to the snow, Xinhua reported.

The snow also disrupted traffic and trapped commuters in the regions with some parts of expressway being closed, flights cancelled and Shinkansen Bullet train services suspended.

About 32 cm snow was measured at Chichibu city in Saitama prefecture and 31 cm snow was observed in Matsumoto city in Nagano prefecture, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The weather agency forecast up to 80 cm of snow would fall in the Tohoku region and 60 cm in Hokkaido, Hokuriku and Tokai areas over the 24 hours through 6.00 a.m. on Tuesday.

Local airlines said around 200 domestic flights were cancelled or delayed as of 3.30 p.m. (local time).

IANS