United News of Bangladesh

A powerful, 6.3 magnitude earthquake shook northern Afghanistan before dawn Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 300 others, a health official said. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake's epicenter was located 22 kilometers (14 miles) west-southwest of the town of Khulm, and that it struck at 12:59 a.m. at a depth of 28 kilometers (17 miles). Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, said the quake killed at least 20 people and injured 320 others. Yousaf Hammad, a spokesman for Afghanistan’s disaster management agency, said most of the injured suffered minor wounds and were discharged after receiving initial treatment. In the Afghan capital of Kabul, the Ministry of Defense announced that rescue and emergency aid teams have reached the areas affected by last night’s earthquake in the provinces of Balkh and Samangan, which suffered the most damage, and have begun rescue operations, including transporting the injured and assisting affected families. Afghanistan earthquake kills over 2,200, Taliban reports The Taliban government’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, in a post on X platform said the earthquake hit Afghanistan's Balkh, Samangan and Baghlan provinces, causing casualties and financial loss. He expressed his sorrow and grief over the losses and said relevant governmental organizations were busy trying to get needed help to the people affected by the quake. According to the Afghan officials, the earthquake was also felt in Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province. In Mazar-e-Sharif, footage circulating on social media showed damage to the historic Blue Mosque. Several bricks had fallen from the walls but the mosque remained intact. The centuries-old site is one of Afghanistan’s most revered religious landmarks and a major gathering place during Islamic and cultural festivals. The quake was felt in Kabul and several other provinces in Afghanistan. The Defense Ministry said in a statement that a rockslide briefly blocked a main mountain highway linking Kabul with Mazar-e-Sharif, but the road was later reopened. It said some people who were injured and trapped along the highway were transported to the hospital. The United Nations in Afghanistan said on X that Monday's earthquake came just weeks after a deadly earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan. The U.N. said its teams are on the ground assessing needs and delivering urgent aid. “We stand with the affected communities and will provide the necessary support,” the post said. Afghanistan has been rattled by a series of earthquakes in recent years and the impoverished country often faces difficulty in responding to such natural disasters, especially in remote regions. Buildings tend to be low-rise constructions, mostly of concrete and brick, with homes in rural and outlying areas made from mud bricks and wood, many poorly built. A magnitude 6.0 earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan on Aug. 31 near the border with Pakistan, killing more than 2,200 people. On Oct. 7, 2023, a magnitude 6.3 quake followed by strong aftershocks left at least 4,000 people dead, according to the Taliban government. Read more: Earthquake Safety: Do’s and Don’ts during an Earthquake Source: AP 

At least 21 people were killed and 30 others went missing after a massive landslide hit Kenya’s western Rift Valley region on Saturday, following days of heavy rainfall during the country’s short rains season. The disaster struck the hilly area of Chesongoch in Elgeyo Marakwet County, destroying more than 1,000 homes and cutting off several roads. Authorities said 30 people with serious injuries were airlifted to a hospital in Eldoret City for treatment. Local resident Stephen Kittony told Citizen Television that he heard a loud rumble before fleeing his home with his children, each running in different directions to escape. Landslides, floods cut off 300 Mexican communities; dozens dead and missing Rescue operations continued through Saturday despite the ongoing rains, as emergency teams searched through the mud and debris for those still missing. Chesongoch, known for its steep terrain, has experienced similar tragedies before — deadly landslides in 2010 and 2012 claimed dozens of lives, and floods in 2020 swept away a local shopping center. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said the government is working to relocate affected families to safer ground. Source: AP  Read more: Thunderstorm Lightning in Bangladesh: Causes, Risks, and Safety Tips

Bangladesh experiences a diverse kind of natural disaster almost every year. Thunderstorm lightning is one of the most common and deadly hazards among them. Every year, many people and livestock lose their lives and get injured due to lightning strikes, especially during the rainy season. Between 1990 and 2016, lightning caused an average of 114 deaths each year in Bangladesh. In 2016, lightning was nationally declared a natural disaster in the country. However, thunderstorm lightning-related deaths and injuries can be prevented if people know what to do and take simple safety steps. Let’s learn more about what lightning is, why it happens so often in Bangladesh, and how to stay safe. What Is Thunderstorm Lightning and How Does It Happen? Lightning is a bright flash of electricity that appears in the sky during a storm. It’s part of a weather event called a thunderstorm, which involves water, air, and electricity. That's why it is called a hydrometeorological disaster. Inside thunderclouds, tiny pieces of ice and water bump into each other and move around quickly. This movement causes the cloud to build up electric charges; some parts become positive and others become negative. When the difference between these charges becomes too strong, the energy is released as a sudden spark called lightning. Read more: Rema–Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary in Habiganj: A Comprehensive Travel Guide This lightning can move between clouds, inside the same cloud, or between the cloud and the ground. The air around it gets extremely hot in a very short time, making the air expand quickly. This expansion creates the loud sound is known as thunder. Why is Bangladesh Prone to Thunderstorms and Lightning? Bangladesh experiences more lightning than most other countries in the world. The highest number of lightning strikes usually happens during the pre-monsoon (March–May) and monsoon (June–September) seasons. There are several reasons for this: Weather Patterns: Bangladesh has a tropical climate that is hot and humid. During the pre-monsoon season, warm air from the south meets cold air from the north. This mix creates strong thunderstorms. The hot temperatures and high humidity help form tall clouds that can produce lightning. Read more: How Green Industries Can Reduce River Water Pollution in Dhaka City Climate Change: Climate change is making lightning more frequent. As the Earth becomes warmer, more water evaporates into the air, creating bigger and more active storm clouds. Scientists say that lightning strikes have increased because of global warming and that they are becoming stronger and more violent. Geography and Terrain: Bangladesh’s location and land features also make it more vulnerable. It lies between the Bay of Bengal, the Indian subcontinent, and the Meghalaya Plateau, all of which affect its weather.The northeastern region, especially Sylhet, has hills and wetlands that receive a lot of rainfall and moisture, making lightning more likely. The southeast coastal areas and southwest regions also face frequent storms, especially when cyclones form in the Bay of Bengal. Why Are Lightning Deaths Increasing in Bangladesh? Lightning deaths are rising for several reasons. Most people who die from lightning are farmers or outdoor workers who work in open fields. During the pre-monsoon season, especially in Boishakh (April–May), lightning becomes more common because of hot temperatures, dusty air, and pollution. Read more: Can Green Buildings in Bangladesh Create Opportunities for Carbon Trading? Most lightning accidents happen in the afternoon, when people are outside working. Men are more affected because they spend more time in the fields. Even though lightning can strike anywhere, rural areas are the most affected. Bangladesh has a high population density, meaning many people live close together, which increases the risk. Another big reason for the high number of deaths is a lack of awareness. Many people don’t know how dangerous lightning can be or what to do when a thunderstorm starts. Some even follow false beliefs instead of real safety practices. Read more: What Can Dhaka Learn from the Smart City Singapore Preventive Measures Against Lightning Fatalities in Bangladesh Avoiding danger is the best way to stay safe. Here are some important steps to reduce lightning risks in Bangladesh: Strategic Lightning Safety Plan The government, local authorities, and organisations should work together to make a national lightning safety plan. This plan should include appropriate measures to: - Build safe shelters. - Spread awareness through campaigns and social media. - Train local leaders, teachers, and health workers to teach lightning safety. - Share weather warnings and updates quickly through apps and media. Besides these, the Bangladesh National Building Code also requires buildings to have lightning protection systems. Read more: What is Carbon Trading? How does it work? Build Lightning-Safe Structures Installing earthing systems (grounding wires that carry electricity safely into the ground) is one of the best ways to protect buildings and people. This can be done by burying copper or steel rods in the ground and connecting them to metal parts of a building or structure. Boats can also be made safer by adding lightning rods and grounding devices. Use the BMD Weather App The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has a smartphone app that gives weather forecasts and storm warnings. People can use this app to check if thunderstorms are likely and plan their outdoor work accordingly. To increase awareness, schools, NGOs, and community leaders can organise workshops, campaigns, and public announcements about using the BMD app. Read more: Top Strategies to Enhance Fire Resilience in Dhaka City Identify Vulnerable Communities Communities need to find out who is most at risk, such as farmers, construction workers, and fishermen, and ensure they have nearby safe shelters during storms. Local authorities can study which areas face more lightning and plan protective measures like building shelters and installing grounding systems. Read more: Green Roofs in Dhaka City: Pathway to Smart Urban Agriculture Teach the 30:30 Rule The 30:30 formula is an easy way to judge lightning distance and danger: If one sees lightning and hears thunder within 30 seconds, it means the storm is close, and one should find shelter immediately. Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder. Farmers, fishermen, and schoolchildren should be taught this rule. They should also wear rubber shoes or use wooden or plastic tools while working outdoors. Read more: Organizational strategies to minimize earthquake damages in Dhaka City Create Public Awareness People need to learn how to stay safe during lightning storms.Local organisations can arrange folk songs, dramas, and storytelling to spread messages in villages. Schools can host seminars, distribute leaflets, and teach students safety tips. Posters and billboards can show safety instructions in public places. Television, radio, and newspapers can share lightning safety information and stories of real incidents to help people understand the danger. Plant Palm Trees Palm trees naturally attract lightning, which helps protect nearby people and buildings. Unfortunately, many have been cut down because of urban development. The government started a programme in 2017 to plant more palm trees in rural areas. Communities can be encouraged to do this by engaging local agricultural officers, organising tree-planting campaigns and teaching students about their importance. Read more: Flood Control and How to Minimise Losses Personal Safety Tips During Thunderstorm Lightnings Here are some simple ways to stay safe from lightning strikes during a thunderstorm: - The safest place is inside a closed building. - A car with a metal roof is also safe. - Keep doors and windows closed and stay away from metal objects, water, and electrical items. - Avoid open areas, high places, tall trees, and small shelters like huts. - Never stand under a single tree, as it increases the chance of being struck. - Don’t use telephones or electrical appliances during a storm. - If one can’t find shelter, one needs to crouch low to the ground and avoid contact with the ground as much as possible. - In forests, stay in low areas with small trees close together. - If one stays on the water during a thunderstorm, then one should come to the nearby land immediately. It is recommended to avoid swimming or boating during lightning strikes. - If one floats on a boat during lightning strikes, then one should move the water vehicle under a bridge or cliff if possible. Read more: Can a Sponge City Tackle Flooding in Dhaka? Conclusion Lightning is a natural and powerful event, but it doesn’t have to be deadly. With awareness, planning, and simple precautions, people in Bangladesh can protect themselves, their families, communities and livestock from deaths and injuries caused by thunderstorm lightning incidents. By building safe shelters, teaching lightning safety in schools, planting palm trees, and using the BMD Weather App, the number of lightning-related casualties and fatalities can be reduced significantly, making Bangladesh safer for everyone. Read more: How to Build Dhaka as a Water Wise City

Sinkholes are sudden holes that open up in the ground when the surface layer drops into empty spaces below. They can be as small as a dip in a garden or so big that they swallow houses, cars, and even whole streets. To understand sinkholes let's find out how sinkholes are formed, why some are more dangerous and the some of the deadliest sinkholes around the world. How Sinkholes Form in a Natural Way Most sinkholes form in places where the rock under the ground can slowly dissolve in water, such as limestone, dolomite, or gypsum. Rainwater becomes slightly acidic after mixing with gases in the air and soil, and over many years it eats away at these rocks, creating gaps and hidden caves underground. As time passes, the roof of one of these caves may weaken until it can no longer hold up the weight above it. When that happens, the surface suddenly collapses, creating a sinkhole. This process can take hundreds of years, but once the ground gives way, the collapse can happen very quickly and with dramatic force. Can Human Actions Trigger Sinkhole Formation While sinkholes often form naturally, human actions can make them happen faster or more often. Pumping too much water from underground lowers the water level and removes the support that keeps the ground steady. Mining and drilling can leave empty spaces or weaken the layers of rock. Broken water or sewage pipes can slowly wash away the soil until the surface caves in. Building heavy structures on soft or weak ground can also cause the earth to collapse. Because of these activities, towns, cities, and farmland tend to have more sinkholes than areas left untouched. Read more: Rema–Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary in Habiganj: A Comprehensive Travel Guide Why Sinkholes Are Dangerous Sinkholes are dangerous because they often appear suddenly and can grow big enough to swallow cars, houses, or whole roads. In some areas, they are linked to complicated underground cave systems, which makes fixing the damage costly and difficult. When they happen in towns or cities, a single sinkhole can cut off power or water, pollute supplies, force people to leave their homes, and even cause deaths. Even very large sinkholes that do not directly threaten lives can still create long-term problems by changing how water flows and making the surrounding land unstable. The Most Dangerous Sinkholes in the World . Xiaozhai Tiankeng, China Xiaozhai Tiankeng in China is known as the world’s biggest and deepest sinkhole. It is an enormous hole with steep, vertical walls that drop hundreds of metres. Its dimensions are approximately 626 m long, 537 m wide, and between 511 and 662 m deep. The cliffs around it are very dangerous, as loose rocks can fall and the edges give way suddenly.  This natural sinkhole was formally “discovered” by geologists (outside the local population) in 1994 during exploration by the China Caves Project. Its huge size shows just how powerful natural processes underground can be. Read more: Finland ranked again the world’s happiest country in 2025: What’s the secret Great Blue Hole, Belize The Great Blue Hole in Belize is a giant natural sinkhole in the sea and is well known among divers. It is very deep with steep sides that drop suddenly, making it risky to explore. While it doesn’t threaten people on land, it can be dangerous for divers who are not experienced or ready for the challenges of deep water. Bayou Corne, Louisiana, USA The Bayou Corne sinkhole in Louisiana, USA, was caused when an underground salt dome collapsed. It became evident on August 3, 2012, when residents were evacuated after signs of collapse in an underground salt cavern.  The ground gave way so suddenly that an entire nearby community, about 350 people, had to be evacuated. Gas was released, and the area has remained unstable ever since, showing how industrial activity underground can lead to long-lasting and dangerous problems. Read more: How Green Industries Can Reduce River Water Pollution in Dhaka City

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is vulnerable to earthquake disasters due to spontaneous urbanization, high population density, haphazard growth of high-rise buildings, unplanned infrastructure, etc. Besides these, inadequate disaster management plans make Dhaka more vulnerable to disaster risk if a seismic tremor of magnitude 7 or over on the Richter scale occurs. An effective earthquake disaster prevention program is required at organizational levels to minimize the risk of disaster. Earthquake risk in Dhaka city  Dhaka is vulnerable to earthquake disasters for several reasons.  Located in risky seismic zone Bangladesh has been divided into three main earthquake zones. According to the seismic zoning of Bangladesh, Dhaka falls into Zone 2, that also includes Rajshahi, Natore, Magura, Meherpur, Cumilla, Brahmanbaria, and Feni. Here, the Chittagong-Comilla-Dhaka and Tangail areas have a possible earthquake risk of magnitude of 6 on the Richter scale. Unsafe structures The government of Bangladesh has developed national building codes, which include detailed guidelines for earthquake-resistant design of concrete and steel structures. However, these codes are not officially enforced. Due to the lack of effective enforcement mechanisms, it is feared that many new structures do not maintain the necessary requisites for earthquake-resistant construction. Therefore, the number of unsafe structures in Dhaka city is increasing.  Read more: 10 Most Earthquake-prone Countries around the World Furthermore, many high-rise buildings and garment factories are being constructed in Dhaka without following the rules. Furthermore, not leaving adequate open spaces while designing buildings also increases the risk of casualties if structures collapse due to earthquakes. Besides these, a significant portion of the structures of Dhaka city have encroached upon the streets and roadways, making those infrastructures more vulnerable for passersby and commuters during earthquakes.  As a result, after a major earthquake of magnitude 7 or over on the Richter scale, these structures can collapse, block streets, hinder rescue operations, and bring the greatest devastation to Dhaka city.  High population density The population density is very high in Dhaka city. With more than 23.9 million people, and an average of 38,000 people per square kilometer, Dhaka is one of the most crowded cities in the world. As the city is expanding quickly, many new buildings, bridges, roads, and other infrastructure are being constructed to fulfill the needs of this big population.  Millions of inhabitants of Dhaka city live in poorly made buildings.  Soil type Geographically, Dhaka city is made of soft, wet delta soil, which makes the structures more vulnerable to earthquakes.  Read more: Can Earthquakes Really be Predicted? Some effective organizational measures to mitigate earthquake disaster risk in Dhaka city As an earthquake is a natural disaster, it cannot be prevented. However, adequate measures at national, organizational, and individual levels can minimize the loss of lives and property. Here the organizational measures will be discussed. Decentralization  Dhaka is the center of the economy and administration of Bangladesh. Therefore, Dhaka’s risk in the context of the earthquake can make the economic stability, and public administration of Bangladesh vulnerable. Therefore, decentralization of key financial and administrative activities can minimize the damage if Dhaka faces any major earthquake.  Planning for water and airways  If a major earthquake occurs, the existing road communication system in and around Dhaka can be affected, but the effect will be less in waterways. So there should be a plan to restore the existing waterways (canals, rivers in and around Dhaka) for use during the earthquake emergency period.  Dhaka city is surrounded by three rivers, Buriganga, Sitalakhya, and Turag. These rivers can be again turned into the lifeblood of the city. These rivers need extensive dredging to ensure navigability around the year. The city's circular riverway can be a very useful communication route.  Furthermore, helicopters can also perform during emergency response. This will be an effective way in the field of rescue and emergency services distribution.  Read more: Earthquake Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe Build earthquake-resistant structures If the structures are not earthquake-resistant, severe damage to lives and properties can occur after an earthquake of 7 or more magnitude hits the city. To minimize the risk of earthquake destruction, earthquake-resistant buildings should be built.  The city authority can create strict regulations and make it obligatory for planners, engineers, and architects to consider earthquake-resistance capacity while making plans and designs. The common steps of building earthquake-resistant structures include creating flexible foundations; building shear walls, moment-resisting frames, and diaphragms; building Seismic Invisibility Cloak; using earthquake-resistant materials, etc. Seismic hazard mapping and database preparation It is essential to develop a comprehensive regional database of all recorded historical earthquakes in and around Dhaka city. A comprehensive regional seismic hazard map of Dhaka city should be prepared to incorporate appropriate building codes.  Read more: Turkey Earthquake: Why Did So Many Buildings Collapse? Resources such as scientists, seismologists, geologists, engineers, architects, planners, GIS experts, remote sensing experts, and other technicians should be prepared through higher education and relevant training programs to build leadership in earthquake hazard assessment research in Bangladesh. 

In preparation for Cyclone Remal, 500 shelters and 290 medical teams have been kept prepared in Chattogram, said the District Disaster Management Committee. The decision to keep those shelters and teams prepared was made at an emergency meeting of the committee held last night. Furthermore, the Fire Service and Civil Defense has canceled the leave of all officials and employees from nine stations, mobilizing 270 personnel for immediate response. A special control room has also been formed at Agrabad Fire Service Station in the port city. Rakib Hasan, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) of Chattogram district administration, informed that around 500 shelters were being prepared, 290 medical teams were formed, and all executive officers and local union chairpersons and members in the coastal areas of Chattogram were on high alert. Read more: Cyclone Remal moves northwards over Bay According to the Civil Surgeon’s Office, a medical team has been assigned to each union, five teams to each upazila health complex, and five teams are on standby at Chattogram General Hospital. Dr. Md. Elias Chowdhury, district Civil Surgeon, said that 200 teams at the union level, 75 teams across 15 upazila health complexes, nine teams at urban dispensaries, one team for school health, and five teams at the general hospital were formed to face the impact of the cyclonic storm. Moreover, all doctors, officers, and employees under the Civil Surgeon’s Office have been instructed to remain at their posts while an emergency control room has also been opened, he said. Dinmoni Sharma, Deputy Director of Chattogram Fire Service and Civil Defense, informed that the fire service has started operations in various coastal areas. Read more: Cyclone Remal: Biman suspends all Cox's Bazar bound flights Sunday Announcements are being made through loudspeakers urging residents to move to safe locations before the storm hits. Operations in the city will commence based on weather conditions, he said, adding that 270 fire personnel across nine stations are prepared, with all leaves canceled. The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclonic storm Saturday night, with the name 'Remal.' The cyclone is predicted to make landfall today, affecting the coasts of Bangladesh and India’s West Bengal. The Meteorological Department reported that the depression has been moving north and northeast at 15 kilometers per hour over the past six hours. Gaining strength over the sea before hitting the coast between Khepupara, Bangladesh, and Sagar Island, West Bengal, it will hit with speeds of 110 to 120 kilometers per hour, with wind gusts reaching up to 135 kilometers per hour. Read more: Cyclone Preparedness: Safety measures to follow before, during and after disaster

Launch services beteween Barishal and other parts of Bangladesh resumed on Saturday (November 18, 2023) morning after 24 hours of suspension due to the cyclonic storm Midhili. Abdur Razzaque, river port official of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), said the operation of launches resumed at 7 am after the affect of cyclone Midhili ended. Barishal Engineering College students say BCL activists beat them up for not attending ‘political programme’ Earlier, BIWTA suspended operations of all types of river vessels from 10:00 am on Friday due to inclement weather caused by the cyclone. Meanwhile, the roads in different parts of Barishal city have been inundated due to the rainfall triggered by the cyclonic. JCD leader, another arrested in Barishal for ‘planning sabotage’ The residents of Battala, Srinath Chatarjee Lane and Bogura Road have been trapped in 2-feet of water since the cyclone hit the country’s coastal areas. Khokon Serniabat takes charge as Barishal mayor

In recent years, several earthquakes have devastated different parts of the globe. Earthquakes are caused by sudden movement along tectonic plates within the surface of earth. These movements release energy in the form of seismic waves that cause the earth's surface to shake. These geological events disrupt lives and economies, standing as stark reminders of the need for earthquake preparedness. Let's take a look at the top earthquake-prone countries across the world and understand their vulnerabilities. The World's 10 Most Earthquake-prone Countries Japan Japan occupies a precarious position in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc characterized by fault lines and volcanic activity in the Pacific Ocean basin. This is the convergence of four tectonic plates: the Pacific, Philippine, Okhotsk, and Eurasian. The primary reason behind Japan's seismic vulnerability is the collision and subduction of these tectonic slabs. The Pacific Plate is subducting beneath the North American Plate, creating deep ocean trenches and mountain ranges. Read more Earthquake Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe The 2011 Tohoku earthquake, with a magnitude of 9.1, triggered a devastating tsunami, claiming around 19,759 lives. The 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, measuring magnitude 7, caused about 273 fatalities.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Chattogram, Sylhet and Barishal divisions that may trigger landslides in five districts. According to a special bulletin of Met office, Chattogram, Sylhet and Barishal divisions are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall as the very severe cyclonic storm Mocha over east central Bay and adjoining area moved North-Northeastwards over the same area. Also Read: Met office predicts rain or thundershowers in Dhaka, other divisions Due to very heavy rainfall landslides may occur in the hilly regions of Cox’s Bazar, Bandarbans, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Chattogram, it said.

Heavy snow in large swaths of Japan has killed 17 and injured more than 90 people and left hundreds of homes without power, disaster management officials said Monday. Powerful winter fronts have dumped heavy snow in northern regions since last week, stranding hundreds of vehicles on highways, delaying delivery services and causing 11 deaths by Saturday. More snowfall over the Christmas weekend brought the number of dead to 17 and injured to 93 by Monday morning, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Many of them had fallen while removing snow from the roofs or were buried underneath thick piles of snow sliding off rooftops. Read more: Japan reverts to max nuclear power to tackle energy, climate Municipal offices in the snow-hit regions urged residents to use caution during snow removal activity and not to work alone. The disaster management agency said a woman in her 70s was found dead buried underneath a thick pile of rooftop snow that suddenly fell on her in Yamagata prefecture's Nagai City, about 300 kilometers (180 miles) north of Tokyo, where snow piled up higher than 80 centimeters (2.6 feet) Saturday. In Niigata, known for rice growing, some makers of mochi, or sticky rice cakes that are staple for New Year's celebration meals, said there have been delivery delays and their mochi may not reach their customers in time. Many parts of northeastern Japan reported three times their average snowfall for the season. Read more: Heavy rain, wind, snow blows through California into Sierra Heavy snow knocked down an electric power transmission tower in Japan’s northernmost main island, leaving about 20,000 homes without power on Christmas morning, though electricity was restored in most areas later that day, according to the economy and industry ministry. Dozens of trains and flights were also suspended in northern Japan through Sunday, but services have since mostly resumed, according to the transportation ministry.