A cold wave has swept across Asia, with Russia's Far East experiencing its strongest snowfall in nearly 60 years on the 20th, with snow accumulations reaching several meters deep. This cold spell has disrupted transportation across Asia, with multiple roads closed in China, flights delayed in parts of Japan, and traffic paralyzed in some areas of Russia’s Far East.
According to foreign media reports, data from Russian meteorological monitoring stations show that some areas on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s Far East recorded up to 3.7 meters of snowfall in December, with more than 2 meters of snowfall in the first half of January. The thick snow has blocked building entrances and even buried vehicles.
Some vehicles have been almost completely covered by snow, making it difficult even for four-wheel-drive vehicles to move, and in some cases, impossible. Residents have had to dig narrow paths through the snow just to reach the entrances of their apartment buildings.
In the port city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, residents have been seen walking on top of snowdrifts at traffic lights, or jumping off the snow piles for fun.
A local blogger commented that the massive snow accumulation in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is 'just like a sand dune.'
On the other hand, in Japan, strong winds and heavy snow have disrupted transportation in the northwest coastal areas, causing dozens of flights to be canceled and badly affecting popular ski resorts.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that from January 21 to 25, heavy snow is expected in northern and western Japan, urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) has already canceled 56 flights, affecting about 3,900 passengers; Japan Airlines has also canceled 37 flights, affecting 2,213 travelers.
As for ANA flights at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, almost all have been canceled.