Japan has been grappling with continuous heavy snowfall for months, with regions from Hokkaido and Tohoku to areas along the Sea of Japan experiencing record-breaking snow. According to data released by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as of 6:00 am local time on Feb. 3, the severe snowfall since January 20 has resulted in 30 deaths and 324 injuries across the country.
The Japan Meteorological Agency previously stated that persistent winter pressure systems have led to widespread snowfall from northern to western Japan along the Sea of Japan side, with some areas hit by snowstorms not seen in decades. Snow accumulation in certain regions has reached approximately six times the average for this time of year. On Feb. 1, the snow depth in central Aomori City exceeded 180 centimeters, the highest in 40 years, briefly reaching 183 centimeters—the fourth-highest record in history.
According to Japanese media reports, most casualties resulted from accidents during snow-clearing operations. On January 30, an 80-year-old man in Aomori City was found buried under snow in the carport of his residence, with a snow shovel beside him. It is suspected that he was trapped by falling snow while clearing it, and despite emergency treatment, he passed away. On Jan. 31, two men in Heishinden, Aomori City, and Shinjō City, Yamagata Prefecture, were reportedly struck and buried by collapsing snow while clearing it, resulting in their deaths.
(Video source: CCTV International News)
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