Severe Snowstorms Hit Northern Japan, Resulting in 46 Deaths

Japan has experienced its worst snowstorms since the beginning of the year, sweeping across the country for a continuous three weeks, leaving behind 46 dead and 558 injured, according to new data released by the Japan Fire and Disaster Management Agency on Tuesday.

The heavy snowfall that began in late January has caused unprecedented traffic chaos in the northern part of the country, particularly along the coast facing the Sea of Japan.

The accumulation of snow has led to tragic incidents, with several residents dying from snow piles falling from rooftops onto them or while attempting to remove it, according to police and local officials.

In Aomori Prefecture, located in northern Japan, the snow depth reached 1.3 meters, putting residents directly in the face of severe challenges, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The storm has raised concerns among authorities and citizens alike, amid calls for caution and avoidance of risks associated with heavy snow and incidents of slipping or snow avalanches from rooftops.