At least 35 people have been killed and nearly 400 injured after an extended period of extreme snowfall dumped up to 6.5 feet (about 2 meters) of snow across parts of northern Japan, with authorities now warning that rising temperatures could trigger dangerous avalanches. According to reporting from the Associated Press, The Japan Times, and Sky News, the deadly impacts follow roughly two weeks of persistent snow that has overwhelmed infrastructure and emergency services, particularly in Aomori Prefecture. Local authorities confirmed Wednesday that residents in northern regions are now being urged to stay alert for avalanches as warmer conditions cause accumulated snow to begin melting.
Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency said the fatalities were directly linked to the extreme snowfall. Many of the deaths occurred while people were attempting to clear snow from rooftops and homes—a common but dangerous necessity during heavy snow years in Japan. Several victims reportedly fell from roofs, while others suffered sudden medical emergencies, including heart attacks, during snow removal efforts.
The storm’s impacts have extended far beyond personal injury. More than 1,700 homes have been left without electricity, the majority of train lines in affected areas have been suspended, and numerous roads remain blocked. In Aomori City, snowdrifts have buried rail tracks and narrowed streets to the point that emergency vehicles have struggled to reach people in need.
“We anticipate some roads might get blocked off, and so we are consulting with services that can help ambulances and fire trucks get through to their destinations,” Aomori Governor Soichiro Miyashita said Wednesday, according to the Associated Press. He added that medical workers in some cases were forced to park vehicles and continue rescue efforts on foot. School closures have also disrupted daily life for thousands of children across the region.
The toll has been especially severe in Niigata Prefecture, where 12 of the deaths were reported. Authorities there confirmed that a 70-year-old man died after falling from his roof in Nagaoka City. Of the 393 reported injuries nationwide, 126 are considered serious, with at least 42 of those occurring in Niigata. 14 homes were also reported damaged.
As temperatures rise in Japan, avalanche danger is becoming a growing concern in mountainous areas already loaded with deep, unstable snow. Emergency agencies continue to urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay clear of steep terrain, and use extreme caution when clearing snow. The storm stands out as one of the most severe winter events Japan has seen in years. Recovery efforts are ongoing, but the danger is still far from over.
