At least 35 people have died in northern Japan due to unusually heavy snowfall over the past two weeks, with roads and rail services severely disrupted. In some areas, snow accumulation has reached up to two meters, according to the Associated Press.
Officials said the abnormal snowfall was caused by a surge of cold air from the Arctic. The worst-hit areas include Niigata and Aomori prefectures. Most of the fatalities occurred when people fell while clearing snow from rooftops, reports said.
Emergency services have struggled to reach affected areas, forcing health workers to carry stretchers on foot during rescue operations. Thousands of households remain without electricity, while most train services, including bullet trains, have been suspended. Schools in several regions have also been closed.
The government has warned that rising temperatures could increase the risk of landslides and slippery conditions as the snow melts. Forecasts indicate that even heavier snowfall may occur in the coming week.
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