Northern Japan hit by deadly snowfall, as warnings issued on more heavy snow

Heavy snow battering northern Japan in the last two weeks is being blamed in 35 deaths nationwide so far, including people suffering sudden heart attacks or slipping while shoveling snow. As of Wednesday, 15 prefectures have been affected, with the amount of snow piled up in the worst hit areas estimated to have reached 6.5 feet. The Japanese government says the biggest number of snow-related fatalities, at 12 people, was reported in Niigata Prefecture, a rice-growing region in northern Japan. Japan’s chief government spokesperson warned that, although the weather was getting warmer, more danger could lie ahead because snow would start melting, resulting in landslides and slippery surfaces. More heavy snow is forecast for the coming weekend.