More than 3 meters of record-breaking snowfall for over ten days
Mounting damage fuels growing anxiety among tourists
Japan is reeling from record-breaking heavy snowfall. More than ten days of continuous snow have left 30 people dead and paralyzed transportation and logistics networks, with the damage snowballing. As reports of deaths and damage continue to emerge, a sense of anxiety is spreading among domestic tourists who are planning trips to Japan.
More than 3 meters of snow paralyzes cities...30 dead
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, and the Yomiuri Shimbun on the 4th, record-breaking heavy snowfall centered on northwestern Japan from January 21 to February 2 has left at least 30 people dead. In Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture, a man in his 70s died after falling while clearing snow from a rooftop, and in Joetsu, Niigata Prefecture, a man in his 60s was found dead inside a house that collapsed under the weight of the snow.
By region, Niigata Prefecture had the highest death toll with 12, followed by Akita Prefecture with 6, Aomori Prefecture with 4, Hokkaido with 3, Yamagata Prefecture with 2, and Iwate, Nagano, and Shimane Prefectures with 1 each. The number of people with serious or moderate injuries has exceeded 300, and the scale of the damage continues to grow. In Niigata Prefecture in particular, authorities found that about half of the fatalities occurred when people experienced acute heart failure or other health problems while engaged in snow removal work. Analysts say that prolonged labor in blizzard conditions has become a deadly risk factor, especially for the elderly.
Record-breaking heavy snowfall that has persisted for more than ten days in northwestern Japan has caused casualties and disrupted logistics, YouTube channel FNNNewsCH reported.
The snowfall itself is also exceptional. In the Sumon area of Uonuma, Niigata Prefecture, cumulative snowfall has reached 333 cm, with 290 cm in Okura Village, Yamagata Prefecture, and 243 cm in central Aomori City. In some areas, snow piled higher than a person's height has made it virtually impossible for vehicles to move, turning roads into giant parking lots. At the request of Aomori Prefecture, the Self-Defense Forces have been urgently deployed to support snow removal, as emergency response efforts continue.
Logistics and transportation paralyzed...Parcel acceptance suspended
The heavy snowfall has also dealt a direct blow to transportation and logistics networks. Yamato Transport, Japan's largest parcel delivery company, announced that deliveries to and from Hokkaido and the Tohoku region will be significantly delayed, and in some parts of Aomori Prefecture, parcel acceptance has been suspended altogether.
Record-breaking snowfall that has continued for more than ten days in northwestern Japan has caused casualties and disruptions to logistics. YouTube channel 'FNNNewsCH'
Major logistics companies such as Japan Post and Sagawa Express have also announced delivery delays, adding to the inconvenience for residents. Local governments are mobilizing all available personnel and equipment for snow removal, but with the snow already accumulated and additional snowfall in the forecast, it is expected to take time before conditions return to normal.
"Thinking about canceling my trip"...Tourist anxiety spreading
The unusual heavy snowfall is also affecting demand for travel to Japan. Online travel communities and social networking services (SNS) are filled with comments such as, "I canceled my trip to Japan because I'm scared," "At this level, it seems like getting around will be difficult," and "I'm worried I might get stranded if I go."
Record-breaking snowfall that has persisted for more than ten days in northwestern Japan has resulted in casualties and disruptions to logistics, AFP and Yonhap News report.
Experts advise that, because the damage from the heavy snow is unlikely to be resolved in the short term, anyone planning to visit areas that have been hit hardest should frequently check local weather conditions and whether transportation and logistics have returned to normal. The Japanese government and local authorities are also urging extreme caution to prevent safety accidents during snow removal work and to protect the health of the elderly.
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