Unusually heavy snowfall in Japan has claimed 30 lives. Aomori faces the most critical situation, with snow piled up to 4.5 meters. The Prime Minister has called a ministerial meeting to find solutions, while the Governor of Aomori has requested the government send forces to assist local officials.
Today (3 Feb), Japanese authorities reported that the abnormal heavy snowfall has caused 30 deaths. Among them is a 91-year-old woman found beneath a 3-meter-thick snow pile outside her home.
The Japanese government has deployed personnel to assist residents in Aomori Prefecture, the area hardest hit with snowdrifts reaching 4.5 meters on roads outside the city. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a special cabinet meeting this morning (3 Feb) ordering ministers to take all possible measures to prevent further deaths and accidents.
A severe cold air mass has caused heavy snowfall along Japan’s Sea of Japan coastline, with some areas experiencing snowfall more than twice the usual amount.
Fire and disaster response agencies reported that from 20 January until today, 30 people have died due to the heavy snowfall.
Officials revealed that among the deceased is 91-year-old Mrs. Kina Jin, whose body was found under snow outside her home in Ajigasawa City, Aomori Prefecture. It is suspected that snow fell from the roof, causing asphyxiation and death. An aluminum shovel was also found beside her.
Officials explained, “When the weather warms, snow accumulated on roofs melts and falls, making the area beneath roofs very dangerous.”
Aomori Governor Soichiro Miyashita said on Monday that he has requested Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to assist with disaster relief, including helping elderly residents living alone. He noted that in Aomori City, the prefectural capital, snow walls have piled up to 1.8 meters high, and snow-related accidents are a frequent concern. Local officials are overwhelmed handling snow removal from roads and homes on their own.
,CNA