Japan Battles Deadly Snowfall as Death Toll Reaches 30- prompting the government to deploy troops and step up emergency measures, officials said Tuesday.
The deaths, reported between Jan 20 and Feb 3, were linked to snow-related accidents such as roof collapses, falling snow and suffocation, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Authorities say the toll highlights the growing danger posed by persistent winter conditions, particularly for elderly residents living alone.
Among the victims was a 91-year-old woman in the town of Ajigasawa in Aomori prefecture, who was found buried beneath a three-metre pile of snow outside her home, local police said. Investigators believe snow slid from the roof and fell on her while she was clearing the area. An aluminium shovel was discovered beside her body, and the cause of death was determined to be suffocation.
Police warned that rooftop areas become especially hazardous as temperatures rise, causing accumulated snow to loosen and fall suddenly. “The volume of snow and changes in temperature make these areas extremely dangerous,” a police official said.
Aomori prefecture has been the hardest-hit region, with some remote areas reporting up to 4.5 metres of snow still on the ground. In response, the central government has dispatched Self-Defense Forces troops to assist with snow removal and support vulnerable residents.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi convened an emergency Cabinet-level meeting on Tuesday, urging ministers to take all necessary steps to prevent further deaths and accidents. Officials said the government is focusing on protecting elderly residents, improving access to remote communities and speeding up snow-clearing efforts.
Aomori Governor Soichiro Miyashita confirmed that military assistance had been requested, stressing that local authorities were struggling to cope with the scale of the snowfall. He said troops were also asked to help elderly people living alone, many of whom are unable to safely remove heavy snow from rooftops and entrances.
In Aomori city, snowbanks as high as 1.8 metres line streets and residential areas, overwhelming municipal workers tasked with clearing roads and homes. Governor Miyashita warned that the situation remains critical.
“The risk of life-threatening incidents, including fatal accidents caused by falling snow or building collapses, is imminent,” he said at a press conference.
Meteorological officials said a powerful cold air mass lingering over the Sea of Japan coast has driven snowfall levels to more than double the seasonal average in some areas, raising concerns that further accidents could occur as temperatures fluctuate.
Authorities are urging residents to avoid working alone, stay clear of rooftops and seek assistance when clearing snow, as emergency crews remain on high alert across affected regions.
Grammy Night Humor Leads to Public Dispute Over Epstein Joke | Maya
