Heavy snowfall across Japan has resulted in 30 fatalities and 324 injuries since January 20, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. The crisis, driven by an intense winter pressure pattern, has impacted eight prefectures, with Niigata Prefecture bearing the brunt of the devastation, reporting 12 deaths and 97 injuries. Many victims were caught in accidents while clearing snow, including falls from rooftops or suffocation under collapsing snowdrifts.
As of February 2, snow depth in Niigata’s Tokamachi City reached 255 cm, prompting authorities to establish an emergency response headquarters. The prefectural government has urged residents to exercise extreme caution during snow removal efforts, warning of persistent risks of structural collapses and further accidents.
In Aomori Prefecture, localized snow accumulation hit 183 cm—nearly triple the annual average—raising alarms about rooftop collapses. Officials are mobilizing resources to mitigate risks, while meteorologists predict continued snowfall in affected regions this week.
The disaster underscores vulnerabilities in Japan’s snow management infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. With climate patterns growing increasingly unpredictable, experts emphasize the need for enhanced preparedness to address extreme weather events.
