Quake leaves people in cold, stranded on trains

NHK -- Feb 22

Authorities in Hokkaido have opened shelters for people left stranded on trains or out in the bitter cold following the strong earthquake on Thursday.

The Hokkaido Railway Company, also known as JR Hokkaido, says passengers remain on several trains that stopped between Minami-Chitose and New Chitose Airport and elsewhere.

The operator of Sapporo's subway system decided to suspend operations for the day, leaving people seeking other ways to get home.

Dozens of them formed a long line at a taxi stop in an entertainment district while others headed home on foot.

Sapporo city authorities say they are preparing an underground passageway linking the subway's Sapporo Station and Odori Station as a shelter for those who cannot make it home.

They also opened a shelter in a multi-purpose complex, Sapporo Sosei Square, in Chuo Ward.