Heavy Snowfall in Japan Claims 35 Lives, Injures 358 Since January 20

Tokyo.  The country's Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported on Wednesday that heavy snowfall across Japan since January 20 has resulted in 35 deaths and 358 injuries nationwide.

Japanese media, citing government officials, reported casualties in several prefectures including Niigata, Akita, Yamagata, Hokkaido, and Aomori.

As of Wednesday, 12 people had died in Niigata Prefecture, located on Japan's Sea of Japan coast.

According to fire officials, most deaths occurred during snow removal operations. Cases of sudden illness due to the cold and subsequent hospitalizations are ongoing.

The Japan Meteorological Agency stated that heavy snowfall occurred mainly over the Sea of Japan in northern and western Japan due to the continuous cold air mass. Public broadcaster NHK reported that snow accumulation exceeded 4.3 meters in some parts of Aomori Prefecture, while some areas in Niigata saw nearly three meters of snow.

According to Kyodo News, the severe weather also damaged 14 residential buildings. As temperatures rise across most parts of Japan, authorities are warning residents to be cautious of avalanches, falling snow from roofs, and transportation disruptions.