Heavy Snow Kills Four, Injures 26 In Japan

Heavy snowfall across Japan has killed at least four people and injured 26 others since Tuesday, authorities said. The Japan Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported the deaths occurred during snow-clearing operations in Niigata Prefecture, including Uonuma, Sado, and Nagaoka. Injuries were reported across eight prefectures, with 10 people in serious condition, including in Akita, Yamagata, and Aomori. Earlier, the Japan Meteorological Agency warned of a cold wave and heavy snowfall, particularly along the Sea of Japan coast.