5 dead, over 600 injured as heavy snow hits Japan

The heaviest snow in decades in the Japanese capital Tokyo and other areas of the island nation has killed at least five people and injured 600 others.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said early on Sunday that it had recorded some 27 centimeters (10.6 inches) of snow in Tokyo by late Saturday.

The snowstorm paralyzed Tokyo on the eve of its historic gubernatorial election.

On Sunday morning, voters in the capital started voting with a candidate supported by the ruling party likely to clinch the race to become governor of the city.

Observers say heavy snowfall may affect voter turnout.

Accruing to local media outlets, at least five people were killed and more than 600 people injured in snow-linked incidents across the country.

Over 740 flights were canceled as the weather agency issued a severe storm warning for Tokyo.

Meanwhile, more than 43,800 households lost power in large areas of central and eastern Japan because of snow, reports said.