Tokyo, February 03 (QNA) – Severe winter conditions that have swept across Japan in recent days have claimed the lives of 27 people.

Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency announced that 12 deaths were recorded in Niigata Prefecture on the Sea of ​​Japan coast, while six others were killed in Akita Prefecture in northern Japan, and three in Hokkaido, the country’s northernmost prefecture.

Two deaths were also recorded in Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan, and one death each in Iwate, Yamagata, Nagano, and Shimane Prefectures.

A strong cold air mass has caused heavy snowfall along the Sea of ​​Japan coast in recent weeks, with some areas receiving more than double the usual amount. (QNA)