In Japan, heavy snowfall over the past three weeks has led to at least 46 fatalities and over 558 injuries, as reported by the country's fire and disaster agency. The severe weather has stranded tourists and impacted over 12,000 air travelers, causing significant disruption. Most of the deaths have occurred among individuals over the age of 60 who were attempting to clear snow from rooftops or around their homes, highlighting the danger faced by vulnerable populations in such extreme weather conditions.

The Niigata prefecture has been particularly hard-hit, recording the highest number of deaths at 17. Authorities have sought assistance from the military to help remove snow from affected areas due to concerns about the risk of buildings collapsing under the heavy load. The ongoing snowfall poses a serious threat not only to the safety of individuals but also to the structural integrity of homes and infrastructure, prompting urgent calls for support amid the crisis.

The severe weather began on January 20 and has since caused traffic chaos and buried communities in northern parts of the country. With reports indicating that certain areas, such as the northern city of Amorori, have accumulated more than 1.3 meters of snow, the situation remains critical. Japanese meteorologists have warned that the eastern regions of the country will continue to face heavy snow, raising further concerns about the human and socio-economic impact of this weather phenomenon.