Tokyo, Dec. 18, (dpa/GNA) – About 1,000 vehicles remained stuck on a highway due to a massive snowfall in Niigata prefecture, north of Tokyo, on Friday despite expressway workers spending the night removing snow.
At least three people were taken to hospital after becoming sick, broadcaster NHK reported.
Officials of East Nippon Expressway, the operator of the Kan-Etsu Expressway, said in the morning that only 68 cars were still stranded, however, they found out later that about 1,000 vehicles remained stuck on the snowy highway.
Dozens of soldiers were dispatched late Thursday to the area to provide food, petrol, blankets and portable toilets to those in the vehicles.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Thursday the government’s priority is to “ensure their health.”
The Japan Meteorological Agency forecast more snowfall in northern Japan and Sea of Japan coastal areas later in the day, warning of avalanches and further traffic disruptions.
A cold wave gripped Japan this week, dumping 220 centimetres of snow in the town of Minakami and 180 centimetres of snow in Tsunan town since Monday, according to the agency.
GNA