Heavy snowfall in Japan leaves 30 dead, 324 injured

Heavy snowfall has hit multiple regions of Japan in recent days under a winter pressure pattern, leaving 30 people dead and 324 injured since January 20, according to the country's Fire and Disaster Management Agency under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

As of 1:30 p.m. local time on February 2, the snow had caused casualties across eight prefectures. Niigata Prefecture was the hardest hit, reporting 12 deaths and 97 injuries. Many victims died while clearing snow, after falling from rooftops or being buried in accumulated snow.

According to the Niigata local meteorological office, snow depth in Tokamachi City reached 255 cm on February 1. As snowfall continues to accumulate, the Niigata prefectural government has warned of further disaster risks. On Monday, authorities set up a heavy snow disaster response headquarters and urged residents to take precautions during snow removal.

Heavy snowfall has also affected Aomori Prefecture in northeastern Japan, where localized snow accumulation reached 183 cm, about 2.7 times the annual average. Local officials warned that excessive snow buildup on rooftops poses a risk of collapse and requires urgent countermeasures.