Heavy snowfall in Japan claims 30 lives
Exceptionally heavy snowfall has claimed the lives of 30 people in Japan over the past two weeks, authorities said on Tuesday. Among the victims was a 91-year-old woman who was found buried under snow outside her home in Aomori prefecture.
The worst-hit areas are along the Sea of Japan coast, where powerful cold air masses have brought snowfall levels more than double the seasonal average in some locations. In remote parts of Aomori, snow accumulation has reached up to 4.5 meters.
The government has deployed military personnel to assist residents, particularly elderly people, with snow removal. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi convened an emergency cabinet meeting, urging ministers to take all necessary measures to protect lives.
According to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency, the deaths have occurred since January 20. Local police said the elderly woman in Aomori likely died of suffocation after her roof collapsed under the weight of the snow, burying her as she attempted to clear it.
Regional authorities warned of an immediate risk of potentially fatal accidents, including falling snow from rooftops and building collapses, as snow-clearing services struggle to cope with the extreme conditions.
