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Heavy snowfall in Japan has claimed the lives of 30 people over the past two weeks, according to officials who announced the toll on Tuesday. The severe winter weather has prompted an emergency government response as regions along the Japan Sea coast continue to face dangerous conditions from record-breaking snow accumulation.
Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that the deadly snowfall in Japan occurred between January 20 and Tuesday, with fatalities linked directly to the extreme winter conditions. The central government has deployed forces to assist residents in Aomori, identified as the hardest-hit area where snow depths reach up to 4.5 meters in remote locations.
Emergency Cabinet Meeting Addresses Snow Crisis
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi convened a special cabinet-level meeting Tuesday morning to coordinate the government’s response to the ongoing emergency. During the session, she directed ministers to do everything possible to prevent further deaths and accidents related to the heavy snowfall, according to government sources.
The ministerial meeting underscores the severity of the situation as Japan continues to grapple with what meteorologists describe as an unusually intense cold air mass. This weather system has brought persistent heavy snow to coastal regions facing the Japan Sea, creating hazardous conditions for residents and emergency personnel alike.
Record Snow Accumulation Reported
A powerful cold air mass has been responsible for the intense snowfall along Japan’s western coastline in recent weeks. Some areas have experienced more than double their typical snow amounts for this time of year, according to meteorological reports.
The unprecedented accumulation has created particularly dangerous situations in mountainous and rural areas. In Aomori prefecture, snow depths of 4.5 meters have been measured in outlying districts, effectively burying homes and infrastructure under massive drifts.
Government Mobilizes Resources for Snow Relief
In response to the crisis, Japanese authorities have mobilized central government forces to provide emergency assistance in the most affected regions. The deployment focuses primarily on Aomori, where the combination of extreme snow depth and ongoing precipitation has created life-threatening conditions.
Emergency crews are working to clear critical roadways and ensure access to isolated communities. Additionally, officials are conducting welfare checks on elderly residents and those living alone, who face heightened risks during severe winter weather events.
Coastal Regions Bear Brunt of Winter Storm
The Japan Sea coastal areas have borne the brunt of the severe weather, with communities accustomed to heavy winter snowfall reporting exceptional conditions this season. The persistent cold air mass shows little sign of weakening, raising concerns about additional casualties and infrastructure damage.
Meanwhile, transportation networks have faced significant disruptions, with delayed train services and closed highways complicating rescue and relief efforts. The extreme conditions have also impacted daily life for hundreds of thousands of residents across affected prefectures.
Meteorological agencies continue to monitor the weather system responsible for the deadly snowfall in Japan. However, authorities have not confirmed when conditions are expected to improve or whether the current snow emergency will extend beyond the coming days as the cold air mass remains positioned over the region.
