Severe winter storms claim 35 lives across Japan

Severe winter weather battering Japan since late January has led to a significant loss of life, with the national death toll now reaching 35. According to reports from public broadcaster NHK, the fatalities are spread across multiple prefectures, primarily in northern Japan, as heavy snowfall and subsequent hazards continue to endanger residents.

Regional breakdown of casualties

The northern prefecture of Niigata has suffered the heaviest losses, accounting for 12 of the reported deaths. Neighboring regions of Akita and Yamagata reported 7 and 5 fatalities, respectively. Other affected areas include Hokkaido and Aomori, with four deaths each, Iwate with four, and Nagano and Shimane each confirming one death. Authorities state that the majority of these fatalities stem from weather-induced incidents such as landslides and other snow-related accidents.

Nationwide impact and ongoing warnings

Beyond the tragic loss of life, the severe conditions have caused widespread injury, with 358 people hurt nationwide ranging from minor to serious cases. Japanese meteorological officials warn that the heavy snowfall is expected to persist through the upcoming weekend, prolonging the immediate threat. Adding to the concern, the nation's top government spokesperson cautioned that rising temperatures could lead to rapid snowmelt, significantly increasing the risks of further landslides and creating perilously slippery road conditions.

Context of Japan's winter vulnerability

Japan, particularly its northern regions along the Sea of Japan, is frequently subjected to heavy snowfall during the winter months. However, this ongoing severe weather event underscores the compound dangers posed by significant snow accumulation, which can lead to structural collapses, transportation chaos, and deadly landslides. The scale of casualties highlights the ongoing challenges of disaster preparedness and response in the face of intense seasonal storms.