GSDF unit clears snow from western Hokkaido town
January 15, 2006About 90 Ground Self-Defense Force troops Sunday began removing the snow engulfing the western Hokkaido town of Shakotan, northwest of Sapporo, the leader of the unit said. The snow reached 263 centimeters at one location in the town, which has been rendered inaccessible to trucks and other large vehicles. The Shakotan Peninsula, where the town is located, protrudes into the Sea of Japan.
Avalanche warning repeated on mercury rises
January 15, 2006The Japan Meteorological Agency again issued warnings on Sunday for avalanches, flooding and landslides in areas hit by heavy snow as temperatures are expected to rise and cause rain through Sunday. A low-pressure system that caused rainfall in extensive areas from the northeastern to western parts of the nation Saturday, combined with warmer temperatures, could cause accumulated snow to melt, triggering disasters, the agency said.