On February 10, 2023, around 4 AM, heavy snowfall led to multiple avalanches along the road leading to the hot springs of Fukushima Prefecture, isolifying approximately 160 people, including guests and employees of several hotels. The avalanches blocked the road for over 5.6 kilometers, leaving tourists stranded and raising serious concerns about safety.
According to the Fukushima Prefectural authorities, the first avalanche covered about 100 meters of road with snow reaching up to 1.5 meters high. Although snow removal efforts were initiated and the road was temporarily cleared by around 10:30 AM, it was not long before disaster struck again. Just before noon, another avalanche hit the same area, resulting in road closures once more and preventing many from evacuations.
Local hotels like the 野地温泉ホテル (Noji Onsen Hotel) saw their customers momentarily isolated, creating significant logistical challenges. A 68-year-old man from Funabashi, who was staying with his wife, expressed relief at finally being able to leave after clearing efforts. “I always felt the road was narrow, and I was worried about encountering blocked pathways,” he stated, highlighting the precarious conditions faced by guests. Despite infrastructure being intact, the repeated avalanches created uncertainty for both the guests and the hotel staff.
Just hours after guests began leaving the hotels, the second avalanche occurred, leaving around 50 individuals trapped once again. Fortunately, officials confirmed there were no reports of injuries or missing persons, with basic utilities like electricity, gas, and water operational within the hotels. Emergency communications remained intact, allowing hotel staff to notify guests about the situation. “We are all fine and have enough supplies,” commented one employee from the hotel, emphasizing the sustainability of their resources. A another staff noted they were still unsure about business operations amid cancellations caused by the avalanche news.
The avalanche had created panic among travelers, resulting in multiple cancellations at the affected hotels. Guests who booked rooms started to withdraw their reservations upon hearing about the incidents, with staff scrambling to manage their impacted schedules. “It has become difficult to run our business due to cancellations,” added one hotel staff member, showcasing the economic impact of natural disasters on local businesses.
Safety officials from Fukushima Prefecture acknowledged the hurdles posed by recent bad weather. Reports indicated the region is experiencing one of the strongest cold waves of the season, which has so far contributed to record snowfall across various areas, raising concerns for future avalanches and landslides even after the major storm passes. “We believe these are unprecedented levels of snowfall, and the possibility of extreme weather continues to be high,” warned local meteorologists.
Efforts for continuous snow removal are being undertaken, with officials stating they plan to resume operations after assessing safety conditions on the ground. “We can’t predict when or where avalanches might occur, which makes it challenging to manage the roads effectively,” explained one official. The government remains cautious, as potential new avalanches could threaten access to the resort areas.
While the snowstorm has subsided, its consequences linger, prompting warnings for avalanches and slush near mountains. Local authorities continue to advise residents and visitors to remain vigilant and expect possible disruptions due to weather-related events.
Despite the hardships faced, the resilience of those trapped and the coordinated response of the local authorities highlight the importance of preparedness and community spirit during challenging times such as this. Tourists are advised to stay informed on weather updates and secure reservations where accessibility is assured.