TOKYO — A severe winter storm system has unleashed devastating snowfall across northern Japan over the past fortnight, resulting in at least 35 fatalities nationwide according to government reports released Wednesday. The tragic incidents primarily involved sudden cardiac events and fatal accidents occurring during snow removal operations.
Official data indicates fifteen prefectures have been severely impacted, with snow accumulation reaching approximately 2 meters (6.5 feet) in the most affected zones. Niigata Prefecture, a prominent agricultural region, recorded the highest death toll with twelve casualties. Among these was a man in his fifties discovered collapsed on his residential rooftop in Uonuma city on January 21st.
In a separate Niigata incident, emergency services transported a septuagenarian man after he was found unconscious near his residence. Medical authorities subsequently pronounced him dead at hospital facilities. Preliminary investigations suggest the victim fell from his roof while attempting to clear accumulated snow.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara issued urgent public warnings despite improving weather conditions, emphasizing that melting snow presents new hazards including potential landslides and dangerously slippery surfaces. “We implore citizens to prioritize safety measures including helmet usage and lifeline ropes during snow clearance activities,” Kihara advised during a press briefing.
Regional task forces have been mobilized across Niigata and adjacent areas since January 20th to address the escalating crisis. Additional fatalities include seven deaths in Akita Prefecture and five in Yamagata Prefecture. Nationwide statistics document 393 weather-related injuries, including 126 severe cases, with Niigata accounting for 42 serious injuries. Structural assessments confirm fourteen residences sustained damage across affected regions.
While meteorological experts haven’t determined the precise cause of the extreme precipitation, heavy snow-related casualties remain a recurrent seasonal challenge in Japan. Official records from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency indicate 68 snow-associated deaths occurred during the previous winter season. Forecast models predict additional heavy snowfall anticipated for the upcoming weekend.