Rising snowmelt in Japan increases the risk of slips and avalanches. Travelers should stay cautious, especially in mountains and icy areas.
TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – As winter draws to a close and temperatures gradually rise in early spring, various regions in Japan must be wary of potential disasters caused by snow melting. This winter, many parts of Japan experienced record-breaking snowfall, and with warmer temperatures, snow melting-related accidents are likely to increase.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, warm air will gradually move into the Japanese archipelago from the 13th, with temperatures across the country exceeding the average for this time of year. Areas with heavy snowfall still need to be vigilant against the risks of avalanches and snow falling from rooftops. With the Lunar New Year holiday approaching and the number of tourists visiting Japan increasing, travelers must be aware of the potential dangers posed by snow melting.
Snow melting disasters include avalanches, landslides, snowmelt-induced floods, and accidents during snow removal operations. Experts point out that understanding the causes of these disasters and preparing in advance is key to reducing risk. During the snow melting season, snow removal-related accidents are the most common in urban areas. As temperatures rise, loose snow surfaces become extremely slippery, so extra caution should be taken when clearing snow or walking outdoors.
In areas experiencing heavy snowfall, numerous accidents occur annually due to snow removal efforts. Especially in years with exceptionally heavy snowfall, snow removal accidents often exceed a thousand, resulting in over a hundred deaths. While overseas tourists typically do not participate in snow removal, slipping remains the most common accident. Furthermore, there have been cases of pedestrians being struck by falling snow or falling into drains, highlighting the significant safety risks.
Kanto Smart Living Cooperative reminds everyone that with rapidly rising temperatures, the temperature difference between day and night can exacerbate the instability of snow structures, increasing the risk of avalanches and snowfall. Both local residents and overseas tourists should wear non-slip footwear when outdoors and avoid prolonged lingering under eaves or around buildings with heavy snow accumulation. If traveling to mountainous areas, closely monitor weather information and warnings issued by local authorities, and never underestimate the potential dangers during snowmelt.
If planning activities in mountainous areas, it is recommended to consult a hazard map beforehand to identify potentially high-risk areas. The public can obtain disaster maps from local governments or access relevant information through the “Overlapping Disaster Map” provided by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. If the map indicates a risk of landslides, avalanches, or snowmelt floods in a certain area, a disaster is highly likely to occur when snow melts rapidly, and travel to such areas should be avoided.
Experts remind the public that the risk of snowmelt is often underestimated during periods of significant temperature increases. Properly monitoring weather information and disaster warnings, and carefully planning trips, are essential to ensuring travel and home safety.
Media Contacts:
Kanto Smart Living Cooperative
PR Agency:
MERXWIRE INC.
Ada Huang
pr@merxwire.com
SOURCE: Kanto Smart Living Cooperative
