Japan has seen historic snowfall in recent weeks, and reports from the Associated Press reveal that the heavy storms have brought immense challenges and even tragedy to parts of the country. At least 35 people have died as a direct result of the recent series of storms, the AP reported Wednesday, and nearly 400 other people have been injured as well. Although the report did provide an exact number, the AP says “most” of the deaths and hundreds of injuries have occurred by people attempting to clear snow off of their roofs and falling.
The weather has become so severe that Japanese soldiers have been called in to areas like Aomori, where they take on the tasks of clearing roads, train tracks, and more. Public transportation and general infrastructure have been hit hard, while more than 1,700 homes have been left without electricity after two straight weeks of snowfall. In fact, the entire phenomenon has brought on headlines declaring “too much powder” in some instances for skiers and snowboarders.
To make matters even more extreme, the Japan Times reported Wednesday that avalanche risks are rising thanks to a sudden temperature rise midweek. Temps reached eight degrees (celsius) Wednesday. For reference, according to the Weather Channel, that’s a rise of approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit since the weekend.
“We ask affected residents to be careful and stay mindful of falling snow and avalanches,” Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki said at a press briefing.
