Tue Feb 03 07:29:57 UTC 2026: # Record Snowfall in Japan Leads to Deployments and Fatalities

The Story:
Record-breaking snowfall in Japan has resulted in 30 deaths in the past two weeks, prompting the government, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, to deploy troops to assist affected areas. The extreme weather conditions have led to warnings about avalanches, snow accumulation on rooftops, and potential power outages. Cities like Aomori are experiencing snow accumulation far exceeding average levels, breaking 40-year records.

Key Points:

  • 30 deaths have been attributed to the heavy snowfall between January 20 and Tuesday.
  • Troops have been deployed to assist in affected areas following an order from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
  • Aomori’s snow accumulation reached 175cm, more than double the average and breaking the 1986 record.
  • Authorities have warned residents about avalanches and falling snow from rooftops.
  • 290 people have suffered injuries due to snow-related incidents.
  • A cold air mass from the Arctic is believed to be contributing to the unusual snowfall.

Key Takeaways:

  • Extreme weather events are posing a significant threat to human safety and infrastructure in Japan.
  • The government is responding by deploying military resources for disaster relief.
  • Elderly populations are particularly vulnerable due to the challenges of snow removal.
  • The severity of the snowfall is exceeding historical records, indicating a possible shift in weather patterns.
  • The upcoming parliamentary elections could be affected by the ongoing crisis.

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