More than 100 shelter overnight in shrine due to heavy snow
BBC••world
Key Points:
- Over 130 people were forced to shelter overnight in the Mitsumine Shrine in Saitama prefecture after heavy snowfall and icy conditions led to road closures around the mountain-top site.
- The shrine accommodated occupants from about 50 cars stranded due to the hazardous driving conditions, with no reported illnesses among those staying there.
- Japan is currently experiencing severe winter weather, with up to 80cm of snow falling in some areas over the past 72 hours and forecasts predicting an additional 40cm in certain regions.
- The Mitsumine Shrine, located 1,110 meters above sea level near Chichibu city, is a notable Shinto worship site dedicated to the divine couple Izanami and Izanagi and has historical significance
