Hokkaido, Japan, hit by snowstorms, residents’ lives severely affected

Multiple areas in Hokkaido, Japan, have been continuously hit by snowstorms since the 14th, causing widespread power outages and transportation disruptions by noon on the 15th. Some schools were closed, significantly impacting residents’ daily lives. According to a report from the local power department on the 15th, the snowstorm damaged power supply facilities, leaving approximately 36,000 households without electricity at one point across Hokkaido. Due to severe weather conditions, repair operations could not be carried out in many areas, and the timeline for restoring power remains unclear.