Japan faces severe winter conditions with high death toll and building collapses. Climate change may be increasing weather unpredictability.
As Japan’s deadly winter rages on, fears of 'disaster-level' weather patterns mount. Severe snowfall and related accidents across Japan have killed at least 29 people, including foreign nationals on holiday, in recent weeks.
Environmental and tourism experts warn that the situation is getting worse due to climate change, which is making the weather more unpredictable. Tokyo has dispatched military personnel to help clear snow in Aomori prefecture, where over 180 centimeters of snow fell within 24 hours, leading to building collapses and emergency requests for assistance.
A 91-year-old woman was found buried under 3 meters of snow in Aomori. This winter has been the worst in 21 years for some areas, with severe consequences on lives and property.