Record snowfall has hit various parts of Japan, resulting in the deaths of 7 people due to snow removal operations in a week.
According to the Japan Fire and Disaster Management Agency on the 10th, since the 4th, 7 people aged 60 to 90 have died while clearing snow in Fukushima, Niigata, Toyama, Nagano, and Fukui prefectures. A total of 54 injuries have been reported, according to Mainichi Shimbun.
As of 6 p.m. that day, snow depth recorded in Tsunan, Niigata Prefecture was 330 cm, and in Okuramura, Yamagata Prefecture, it was 304 cm.
The Yamagata Shinkansen was suspended that day, and Japanese media reported that there is a possibility of delays in some sections of the Shinkansen on the 11th as well.
NHK noted, "It is expected to rain on the 12th due to the influence of warm, moist air," and added, "In areas with heavy snowfall, there is a risk of avalanches due to rising temperatures, so caution should be exercised."