The Fire and Disaster Management Agency of Japan released data on the 2nd, stating that the heavy snowfall since January 20 has caused 27 deaths and 290 injuries across the country.
Among them, Niigata Prefecture has been the most severely affected, with 12 deaths. There have also been casualties in Akita, Hokkaido, Aomori, and other places.
In Akita Prefecture, an elderly woman in her eighties fell to the ground while clearing snow from her roof and was confirmed dead after being sent to the hospital. In Aomori City, an elderly man in his eighties was found buried in snow under the eaves of a garage and was confirmed dead.
Due to the distribution of winter pressure systems, many places on the Sea of Japan side have experienced continuous heavy snowfall for several days. According to reports by Japan Broadcasting Corporation, as of now, the snow depth in the Suiyu (Sukayu) area of Aomori Prefecture has reached 4.53 meters, while the snow depth in the Hijiori area of Okura Village, Yamagata Prefecture, has reached 3.29 meters.