Blizzard paralyses northern Japan

A blizzard pummelled northern Japan, causing injuries and bringing the region to a standstill, dpa cited local media as reporting Thursday.
Nearly 10 people were reportedly injured in dozens of traffic accidents because of whiteouts and icy roads while some major highways were also closed.
About 1,500 people spent a night at New Chitose Airport on the island of Hokkaido as the cold weather enveloped the region, leading to the cancellation of some 230 flights and 250 train services on Wednesday, the Hokkaido daily reported.
Forty-nine flights into and out of the island have already been cancelled Thursday, broadcaster NHK reported.