Society

1,600 travelers stranded at Hokkaido airport

Sep 08 (NHK) - About 1,600 people had no choice but to spend another night at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido in northern Japan after series of earthquakes that began on Thursday.

Domestic flights resumed on Friday, one day after the powerful earthquake, but 175 flights were cancelled. The airport operator says about 1,600 people were stranded at the airport as of Friday night.

Although the building is usually closed at night, passengers are being allowed to stay, and about 2,000 blankets have been distributed among them.

Many people have flocked to the only available convenience store to buy food and water.

A woman in her 70s, who is trying to return to Tokyo, said she couldn't contact a hotel to reserve a room and was relieved to know she could stay at the airport.

Airlines expect some flights to be cancelled on Saturday, but will try to maintain regular flight schedules.

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