Japan braces for more heavy snow over the weekend as Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency reports at least 45 deaths and over 500 snow-related injuries since January 20.
The northwestern region of Niigata Prefecture recorded the highest number of deaths at 17, with over 170 injuries.
Snowy conditions were seen in Aomori City and Wakkanai, with many vehicles stranded in snow.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency warns of further heavy snow in western and northern coastal regions over the weekend.
The agency urged local residents to remain alert for traffic disruptions and to be cautious of avalanches in heavy-snow areas from northern to western Japan.
The warning comes as Japan gears up for a general election on Sunday.