Overview
- Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency reports 35 deaths and 393 injuries since Jan. 20 following two weeks of extreme snow.
- Self-Defense Forces are operating under disaster relief requests in hard-hit areas such as Aomori to clear roads and assist vulnerable residents.
- Aomori logged a record 183 cm of accumulation, with up to 2 meters reported in worst-hit zones and 15 prefectures affected.
- Authorities caution about falling roof snow, landslides and avalanches, with more snowfall forecast to return over the weekend.
- Transport and services remain disrupted with halted trains, blocked roads and power outages, and officials note the weather could dampen turnout in Sunday’s national election.