Heavy snow slams Japan and South Korea
Asia: Greenhouses collapse under sheer weight of snow, ruins tomato crops
So far, the biggest accumulation has been recorded in Gangwon Province's Jinburyeong and Misiryeong which both received around 1-hundred-10 centimetres and over 100 centimetres has fallen in Gangneung.
The snow has caused widespread damage and inconvenience to local residents. Mountainous areas have been blocked off, and traffic is being restricted.
More than 40 schools will be closed on Monday, while around a dozen have postponed entrance and graduation ceremonies.
Numerous facilities, especially greenhouses, have collapsed under the sheer weight of the snow. "The tomatoes have all gone bad. Even if new tomatoes sprout in this cold, it will be impossible to restore the greenhouse and get them growing as before."
While residents are busy shoving snow off their cars and homes, government officials, police, and the military are helping out in the affected regions.
Korea isn't the only country in the region under a thick blanket of snow. A snowstorm hit Japan over the weekend, resulting in 11 deaths in eight regions, most related in vehicle accidents. Well over one thousand people were injured.
The first heavy snow warning in 13 years was issued in Tokyo, as 27 centimetres accumulated the most in almost half a century. Public transportation services were paralysed, including at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, where along with the snow, gusty winds blew at up to 75 kilometres an hour.
As the low pressure system is expected to move away from Japan, Korea's eastern coastal regions are forecast to see more snow throughout the week.
Click here to watch the news bulletin about the heavy snow in Korea
Source: arirang.co.kr