A second Australian has died in Japan while skiing in a popular resort region hit by unprecedented snowfall, amid reports of an avalanche in the country’s north.
Local media report the man, aged in his 20s, was skiing off-piste in backcountry between Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort and Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort, in Hokkaido’s Moiwa region, when he became separated from a group of seven.
He was later found unconscious, with early reports suggesting he had been buried in an avalanche.
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The man was reportedly skiing at the rear of his group when he went missing mid-way down the slope.
His friends backtracked and found another group of four skiers performing CPR on him.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular assistance.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died in Japan. We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” a DFAT spokesperson said.
“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”
The man had reportedly travelled to Japan for a holiday before he began working a local hotel in Niseko, one of the country’s most popular ski resort locations.
It marks the second tragic death of an Australian in Japan after 22-year-old Sunshine Coast woman Brooke Day was killed when her backpack lodged in a ski lift at Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Nagano Prefecture west of Tokyo on Friday.
Friends and teammates pay tribute to Brooke Day following fatal ski lift incident in Japan. Credit: Maroochydore Roos AFL/ Tsugaike Mountain Resort
Queensland snowboarder Brooke Day was also killed in a skiing accident in Japan. Credit: 7NEWS
Japan has experienced record snowfall over the past two weeks with at least 30 people killed in the unprecedented weather.
The highest number of deaths was reported in the central prefecture of Niigata, where 12 people died, according to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
Six deaths were reported in Akita prefecture, four in Aomori, three in Hokkaido, two in Yamagata and one in Iwate, all in northern Japan. One person died in Nagano prefecture in central Japan, and another in Shimane prefecture in the southwest.
Some of the victims died while trying to clear snow from streets and homes.
The northern prefecture of Aomori has now requested assistance from Japan’s Self Defence Forces to remove snow from the roofs of homes belonging to elderly residents.
According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, the deaths occurred between January 20 and February 3 due to strong cold air masses along the Sea of Japan coast.
In some areas, the snowfall has already surpassed double the average amount, making it difficult for residents to move around.
The Aomori prefecture has been one of the hardest-hit areas. In some areas, the snow has piled up to 4.5m high.
Japan has been rocked by heavy snowfall in recent days. Credit: 7NEWS
In some parts of Japan, the winter’s snowfall has already surpassed double the annual average. Credit: AAP
“The amount of snow is so heavy that it has overwhelmed the local staff who are working to remove the snow from the roads and rooftops,” officials said.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a special cabinet meeting on Tuesday, directing ministers to take all necessary steps to ensure that no further lives are lost.
The Japanese government has since approved the use of Self-Defence Forces to help remove snow and provide relief.
Aomori Governor Soichiro Miyashita said he had asked for military assistance to help residents in need, especially the elderly who live alone.
“The risk of life-threatening incidents, such as fatal accidents caused by falling snow from rooftops or collapsed buildings, is imminent,” he said.
Meteorological authorities expect temperatures to rise slightly starting on Wednesday, but snow is expected to return to the Sea of Japan coast beginning on Sunday.
— With AAP
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AloJapan.com