Abnormally high death rates observed during cleanup of record snowfall in Japan
January 22, 2021 (Mainichi Japan)
The roof of an elementary school building in the city of Yokote, Akita Prefecture, is seen being cleared of snow by members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) on Jan. 6, 2021 in this image taken by a Mainichi Shimbun helicopter. Due to the heavy snowfall, it s become difficult for individuals to remove snow on their own, and the GSDF have been called in to numerous areas. (Mainichi) Deaths are rising sharply among people engaged in clearing work following this winter s record snowfall in Japan. Data collected by the Mainichi Shimbun current to Jan. 15 shows that already 59 people have died this season.
Like a disaster : 4 dead, 33 injured amid efforts to clear snow in central Japan pref.
January 12, 2021 (Mainichi Japan)
A snowplow is seen removing snow that accumulated in the city of Joetsu, Niigata Prefecture, on Jan. 10, 2021. (Mainichi/Makoto Ishizuka) NIIGATA While record snowfalls apparently passed their peak on Jan. 11 in parts of this central Japan prefecture, the removal of snow continues to fall behind in places including the city of Joetsu, where over 2 meters accumulated. There has been a spate of accidents while clearing snow four people died between the evenings of Jan. 10 to 11, and at least 33 people were injured on Jan. 11. All four died while removing snow on their own.
Forests on Mt. Fuji creeping to higher altitude amid global warming: study
December 31, 2020 (Mainichi Japan)
A snow-capped Mount Fuji is seen, with its lowest regions of snow coverage demarcating the tree line, in this image provided by professor Hitoshi Sakio of Niigata University.
The edge of the forest on Mount Fuji is seen marked by a line in the center of this partially modified image provided by professor Hitoshi Sakio of Niigata University. NIIGATA The edges of the forest on Mount Fuji have crept up several dozen meters in altitude over the past 40 years, an ecological study has found.