Snowstorm in Japan leaves at least 35 dead and nearly 400 injured in the north and west of the country

Japan maintains the alert for possible avalanches after the confirmation of at least 35 deaths and almost 400 injuries due to a strong snowstorm that mainly affected the north and west of the country. The prefectures of Niigata, Aomori and Akita were particularly impacted, with hundreds of communities isolated and the closure of schools, businesses, and essential services. The snowfall began two weeks ago and has left up to two meters of snow. The situation worsened after several days of extreme cold, when the temperature rose abruptly to 8 ℃ in Aomori, which increased the risk of avalanches and the fall of heavy snow from the roofs of the houses. Authorities warned of the possibility of new disasters and requested caution in the face of sudden thaw combined with snow accumulation. The governor of Aomori, Soichiro Miyashita, declared a disaster alert and requested the deployment of the Army to reinforce snow removal efforts, ensure safety, and assist residents trapped in their homes. The Japan Self-Defense Forces and emergency teams are working in the most affected areas, where mobility is severely restricted. In several locations, emergency vehicles had to park far from critical places and rescuers advanced on foot to assist those in need. On the other hand, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirmed that most of the deaths and injuries occurred when residents were trying to remove snow from the roofs of their houses or were trapped under snowdrifts that fell suddenly. In Niigata, at least 12 deaths were reported, such as the case of a man found dead after his house collapsed and another whose garage collapsed due to the weight of the snow, reported Fuji Television. More than 1,700 homes suffered power outages and most rail services, including bullet trains, were suspended. With no trains, no electricity, and blocked roads, schools remained closed in Aomori and other regions, affecting the daily lives of thousands of families.

So far, 393 people have been injured, of whom 126 have serious injuries, distributed across fifteen prefectures.

The Japanese government spokesperson, Minoru Kihara, warned that the rise in temperature can cause landslides and slippery surfaces, increasing the danger of additional accidents. It is predicted that the cold weather will return next weekend, with the possibility of more snowfall in the northern regions. Authorities maintain maximum alert and ask the population to stay informed, follow official instructions and avoid exposing themselves to unnecessary risks. The national government, in coordination with local governments and the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, continues to monitor the situation and reinforce assistance in the most affected areas, while the fear of new avalanches and landslides continues.