Heavy snowfall in Japan kills 30 people, and the army intervenes
Japan is experiencing a severe wave of extreme winter weather, with snowfall causing significant human and material losses, prompting urgent intervention from the central government and the Self-Defense Forces.
The death toll rises and the Omori tragedy unfolds
Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirmed in its latest data released Tuesday that the death toll from snowstorms has risen to 30 over the past two weeks (since January 20). Most of the deaths have occurred in coastal areas along the Sea of Japan, which have been hit by cold air masses that have brought more than double the usual snowfall for this time of year.
In a tragic incident reflecting the scale of the disaster, rescue teams in Ajigasawa, Aomori Prefecture, discovered the body of a 91-year-old woman named Kina Jin. The victim was found buried under a massive three-meter-high snowdrift outside her home. Local police investigations indicate that she suffocated after being struck by heavy snowfall from the roof while outside. An aluminum shovel was found near her body, suggesting she had been attempting to clear the accumulated snow.
Government mobilization and military intervention
Aomori Prefecture is the hardest-hit area, with record-breaking snow depths of up to 4.5 meters covering remote areas, isolating some villages and severely restricting movement. In response to this critical situation, Prefectural Governor Soichiro Miyashita formally requested the military to provide disaster relief assistance and to direct troops to help elderly people living alone who are struggling to clear snow from around their homes.
At the central level, the government held an emergency cabinet meeting to coordinate efforts, and directives were issued to the ministers concerned to exert maximum efforts to prevent further deaths and accidents, and to ensure that aid reaches the affected areas.
Climatic and geographical context: Why do these disasters keep recurring?
Japan experiences an annual phenomenon known as "sea-effect snow," where cold, dry Siberian winds blow across the Sea of Japan, absorbing moisture and transforming into dense snow clouds that crash against the coastal mountains, resulting in massive snowfall on the western part of the country. While Japan is accustomed to these conditions, recent climate change has contributed to the increased intensity and severity of these weather events, making storms more destructive and intense.
Risks of snow removal and the impact of population aging
This incident highlights a demographic challenge facing Japan, where a large number of elderly people live alone in rural areas. Accidents involving removing snow from roofs or walkways are a leading cause of death in winter, especially when temperatures rise slightly, making the snow heavier and more slippery on roofs. Safety authorities have warned that areas under roofs become potential "death zones.".
