The death toll from severe snowfall and cold weather across Japan since January 20 has risen to 27, with 290 people injured, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA). Niigata prefecture recorded the highest number of deaths with 12, followed by Akita with six and Hokkaido with three, while several other regions reported single fatalities.
The FDMA said 101 people were seriously injured and 189 sustained minor injuries due to snow- and ice-related accidents. Authorities added that heavy snowfall has disrupted air, road, and rail transport in many parts of the country.