TOKYO, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Persistent heavy snowfall driven by winter pressure patterns has hit many parts of Japan in recent days, leaving at least 14 people dead and 198 others injured nationwide, the country's Fire and Disaster Management Agency said on Friday.
As of Friday morning, Niigata prefecture recorded the highest death toll with seven fatalities, followed by Akita prefecture with three. One death each was reported in Hokkaido, Aomori, Yamagata and Shimane prefectures.
According to fire authorities, many of the deaths occurred during snow-removal operations, including falls from rooftops, sudden illnesses and incidents in which individuals were buried under accumulated snow.
Rail services have been severely affected by the heavy snowfall. JR Hokkaido said more than 1,400 train services were suspended over three consecutive days starting Jan. 25, affecting about 414,000 passengers.
Meanwhile, roughly 9,000 travelers were stranded at New Chitose Airport on the nights of Jan. 25 and 26 due to a combination of train suspensions and flight cancellations.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said the winter pressure system has brought heavy snowfall mainly on the Sea of Japan side of northern and western Japan, with snow accumulation in some regions exceeding twice the average for this time of year.
Snowfall is expected to continue in affected areas into next week, and the weather agency urged residents to remain alert to risks such as traffic disruptions, avalanches, falling roof snow and accidents during snow-clearing work. ■