Heavy snowfall in Japan has killed 30 people in the past two weeks, officials reported on Tuesday.
The central government has deployed troops to assist residents in Aomori, the hardest-hit region, where snow has piled up to 4.5 meters in remote areas.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a special cabinet-level meeting on Tuesday morning, directing ministers to do their utmost to prevent accidents and avoid fatalities.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that 30 people have died since January 20 due to heavy snowfall.
A strong cold air mass has caused heavy snowfall along the Sea of Japan coast in recent weeks, with some areas experiencing more than double the usual amounts.
Aomori Prefecture Governor Seiichiro Miyashita said he had requested disaster relief assistance from the military.
