The death toll from severe snowfall and cold weather across Japan since January 20 has risen to at least 42, with 444 people injured, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA). Niigata prefecture recorded the highest number of fatalities, followed by Akita, Aomori, Yamagata, and Hokkaido.
The FDMA said 156 people were seriously injured and warned residents to take safety precautions during snow removal, including working in pairs and using protective equipment. Heavy snowfall disrupted air, road, and rail transport, while the Japan Self-Defense Forces were deployed in some areas to assist with snow clearing.