The death toll from heavy snowfall that hit northern Japan and the Sea of Japan coast on January 20 has reached 38, according to statistics from the Japan Fire and Rescue Agency, published on the agency's website.
The statistics include those who fell from roofs while clearing snow, as well as those who fell ill while clearing roads and paths. The largest number of victims were in Niigata (14), Akita (7) and Yamagata (5) prefectures. Four more people each lost their lives in Hokkaido and Aomori. There were also deaths in Nagano, Shimane, Iwate and Kyoto prefectures. Another 413 people were injured in the snowfall, 142 of whom were seriously injured.
According to TASS estimates based on local authorities, however, 61 people have died as a result of snowfall in Japan throughout the winter.
Especially heavy snowfalls have hit several Japanese prefectures in recent weeks, mainly affecting Niigata, Hokkaido, Akita and Yamagata. Military units have been sent to help the population.