Heavy snowfall in Japan has killed at least eight people, according to national broadcaster NHK, citing Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
Heavy snowfall in northern and western Japan has prompted weather officials to warn residents to be on the lookout for winter blizzards.
Winter pressure patterns are currently affecting Japan, with the weather service warning of traffic disruptions, snowstorms, and high waves, according to Kyodo news.
DEATHS AS A RESULT OF HEAVY SNOW
According to NHK, the eight deaths occurred in five prefectures: Hokkaido, Akita, Yamagata, Niigata, and Ishikawa.
On Tuesday, a woman in her twenties was discovered dead in a snow-covered car in Niigata Prefecture. Officials believe she died from carbon monoxide poisoning after the car’s exhaust pipe became clogged by snow.
Three people over the age of 80 were killed in accidents while attempting to clear snow from around their homes in Niigata Prefecture.
A man in his 80s was discovered buried under snow in Akita Prefecture, northern Japan, on Wednesday. On Monday, another man in his 70s died in the prefecture while attempting to clear snow from his house’s roof.
In six prefectures, 19 people were seriously injured and 26 others were injured in snow-related accidents, according to officials.
UPDATED SNOWFALL RECORDS
According to Kyodo news, some western cities experienced record snowfall. Shikoku’s western main island, Okuizumo in Shimane Prefecture, and Kitahiroshima and Shobara in Hiroshima Prefecture are among them.
Engaru in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, set a new December snowfall record of more than 80cm in a 24-hour period ending Friday morning.
The weather service warned residents of Ishikawa Prefecture that traffic may be disrupted.
Snow blew against the platform doors of some bullet train services in Kanazawa, the prefectural capital.
According to Japantimes, Japan Airlines canceled 59 flights and All Nippon Airways canceled 41, affecting approximately 3,750 and 1,470 passengers, respectively.
According to Kyodo news, the Japan Meteorological Agency expects the storm to last until Monday, moving from the country’s north and east to the west.
Source: CNA