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Severe Snowfall Claims 27 Lives, Strains Emergency Services

2/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reports snowfall since January 20 has caused 27 deaths and 290 injuries across 12 prefectures.
Niigata Prefecture has the most fatalities with 12, followed by Akita with six.
Aomori Prefecture requested disaster relief from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force due to severe conditions, including 183 cm of snow.
Emergency measures are coordinated by local governments after fatal snow-removal incidents in Akita and Niigata.

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Story summary

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reports snowfall since January 20 has caused 27 deaths and 290 injuries across 12 prefectures.
Niigata Prefecture has the most fatalities with 12, followed by Akita with six.
Aomori Prefecture requested disaster relief from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force due to severe conditions, including 183 cm of snow.
Emergency measures are coordinated by local governments after fatal snow-removal incidents in Akita and Niigata.