The number of people killed by snowstorms in Japan continues to increase

On February 17, Japanese officials said the blizzard blamed the country for killing 19 people and injuring 1,600 people in the face of severe weather that caused chaotic traffic to spread. .

>>>Snowstorm in Japan injured more than 1,600 people

More than 6,900 people have been stranded in residential areas due to heavy snowfall that clogs both roads and railways, and transporting gasoline to gas stations is also delayed.

Thick snow in Hayakawa, Yamanashi Yamanashi Prefecture on February 17.(Source: Kyodo / TTXVN)

In Yamanashi district, western Tokyo, stores are in serious food scarcity.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pledged to send support groups to the affected area.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the storm is now moving to the North Pole of Hokkaido, warning of heavy snowfall, snowstorms and snowslides and tsunamis in the northeastern coast of the country.

Meanwhile, despite efforts to clear snow all day and night, hundreds of motor cars are stuck on mountain roads.

The National Road No. 18 that passes through Gunma and Nagano districts is still partially closed, with cars clogged into long lines over many kilometers due to heavy snowfall.

The Ministry of Transport and municipal governments are bringing rescue forces to the driver of the stuck cars.

It is predicted that snow will continue to fall in areas around Tokyo in the coming days.