Residents in northern Japan have been warned of looming avalanches following two weeks of relentless snowfall.
At least 35 people have died, and 393 have been injured as extreme snow blanketed large parts of Japan, authorities confirmed.
On Wednesday, February 4, officials issued avalanche warnings in northern regions following a sudden rise in temperature that began melting the 6.5 feet of accumulated snow, according to the Associated Press, The Japan Times, and Sky News.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said the fatalities were directly linked to the severe weather.
The snow has paralysed transport, cut power to more than 1,700 homes, and blocked major roads, halting most train services.
“We anticipate some roads might get blocked off, and so we are consulting with services that can help ambulances and fire trucks reach their destinations,” Aomori Gov. Soichiro Miyashita told reporters.
He added that medical staff were forced to abandon vehicles and rescue people on foot, while school closures disrupted thousands of children.
Many of the deaths occurred as residents attempted to clear snow from rooftops and driveways.
Twelve fatalities were reported in Niigata Prefecture, including a 70‑year‑old man who fell from his roof in Nagaoka City. Others suffered sudden heart attacks during the extreme conditions, media reports said.
Of the 393 injured, 126 are in serious condition, with 42 cases in Niigata alone. Fourteen homes have also been damaged.