Japan has been struck by severe snowfall over the past weeks, resulting in at least 46 confirmed deaths, with authorities reporting that the fatalities have occurred since late January. Among those who have died, at least two are known to be Australians, highlighting the widespread impact of the weather conditions. In addition to the fatalities, over 500 individuals have sustained injuries, indicating the severity of the situation across various regions.

The heavy snow has primarily affected northern areas of Japan, where snow depths have reached up to two meters in some places. The adverse weather has severely disrupted air travel, leading airlines to cancel numerous flights. The transportation challenges are compounded by forecasts predicting continued inclement weather, which is expected to further aggravate travel conditions on the ground as well.

Authorities have issued warnings to residents, particularly in coastal areas, about the potential for avalanches and possible power outages due to the accumulation of snow on power lines. The situation poses significant risks not only to personal safety but also to infrastructure, calling for emergency preparedness and prompt responses from local disaster management agencies.