Chinanews.com, December 26 (Xinhua) According to the Associated Press, Japanese disaster management officials said on the 26th that the heavy snowfall in Japan has caused 17 deaths, nearly 100 injuries, and tens of thousands of households have lost power.
Northern Japan has been snowing heavily since last week.
According to the Japan Fire and Disaster Management Agency, snowfall increased during the Christmas weekend. As of the morning of the 26th, heavy snow has caused 17 deaths and 93 injuries, many of whom were injured or killed during snow removal work.
Municipal offices in affected areas are reminding residents to be more careful during snow removal activities and to avoid working alone.
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said heavy snow destroyed a power transmission tower on Japan's northernmost main island, leaving about 20,000 households without power on Christmas morning.
Power was restored to most areas later in the day.
Affected by the heavy snow, hundreds of cars were stranded on the highway, and freight services were paralyzed.
According to the Ministry of Transport of Japan, as of the 25th, dozens of trains and flights in northern Japan have been suspended, but most services have returned to normal.
According to reports, snowfall in many parts of northeastern Japan has reached three times the average winter snowfall.