27 Dead as Heavy Snow and Cold Grip Northern Japan
Tokyo: A severe cold wave has claimed the lives of 27 people across northern and coastal regions of Japan, according to official figures released on Monday, as heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures continue to affect wide areas of the country.
Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that most of the fatalities occurred along the Sea of Japan coast, with Niigata Prefecture recording the highest number at 12 deaths. Akita Prefecture reported six fatalities, while Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, confirmed three deaths.
The agency added that two deaths were reported in Aomori Prefecture, while Iwate, Yamagata, Nagano, and Shimane Prefectures each recorded one fatality.
Authorities indicated that many of the deaths resulted from traffic accidents, falls and collapses caused by the accumulation of snow during roof-clearing operations, as well as exposure to extreme cold.
The adverse weather conditions are attributed to a powerful and persistent cold air mass that has affected the region in recent weeks, bringing snowfall levels well above seasonal averages. Several areas along the Sea of Japan coast have recorded more than double their usual winter snowfall, leading to disruptions in transportation, power outages, and significant pressure on local infrastructure.
Emergency services have urged residents to exercise caution, as meteorological authorities forecast continued snowfall and extremely low temperatures in the coming days.
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