Death Toll from Heavy Snow Reaches 46 in Japan

Tokyo, Feb. 11 (Jiji Press)–The death toll from heavy snow across Japan since Jan. 21 has reached 46, with local authorities urging caution against accidents during snow removal work. According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, snow-related deaths had been confirmed in 10 of the country’s 47 prefectures, mainly along the Sea of Japan coast, as of Tuesday morning. Niigata had the most deaths, at 17. Heavy snow has also left 193 people severely injured and 365 slightly injured, while completely destroying one house and partially destroying two. In the northern city of Sapporo, an 81-year-old man was found buried in snow on his property around noon on Feb. 4 and confirmed dead at a hospital. According to Hokkaido prefectural police, he is believed to have accidentally fallen while shoveling snow off the roof. In the northeastern town of Kawanishi, Yamagata Prefecture, a man in his 70s was found buried in snow under the eaves of his home on Saturday and was later confirmed dead. Yamagata police suspect that he was caught in falling snow from the roof. “There has been an increase in accidents involving falls during snow removal and people being caught in falling snow from roofs,” Yamagata Governor Mieko Yoshimura said. “We’d like people to take thorough safety precautions.” In the central city of Kamo, Niigata Prefecture, a 78-year-old man was found collapsed beside a building on his property on Thursday and later died. According to Niigata police, an overturned ladder was found nearby, suggesting that he fell while shoveling snow. As elderly residents are generally unable to clear snow themselves, the Niigata prefectural government on Monday requested disaster relief from the Ground Self-Defense Force. Many fatalities during snow removal involve elderly people believed to have been working alone. To prevent such accidents, the prefectural government is calling for snow removal to be performed by multiple people wearing safety harnesses. The land ministry recommends wearing helmets and non-slip shoes, properly securing ladders, and carrying mobile phones in case of accidents. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]