Record-breaking snowfall in Japan was blamed for at least 30 deaths in the past two weeks, officials said on February 3, 2026. The heavy snowfall prompted the government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to order the deployment of troops on Tuesday to help in affected areas, according to Japanese national television NHK.
The deaths included a 91-year-old woman found buried under 300cm (118 inches) of snow outside her home, according to Al Jazeera. Aomori city recorded the highest snow accumulation in 40 years.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, Kyiv residents sheltered in metro stations as Russian air strikes resumed overnight on February 3, 2026, ending a brief pause agreed upon by Washington and Moscow, according to Euronews. The Soviet-era network has long doubled as civil defense, with platforms used as sleeping areas and access to water and toilets during heavy bombardment. Emergency services said at least three people were injured in the attacks.
In the United States, President Donald Trump urged the House of Representatives on Monday to end the partial government shutdown, as reported by Euronews. The shutdown comes as Democratic lawmakers demand changes to immigration operations after the fatal shooting of two US citizens in Minneapolis in January. Trump promised to work in good faith on raised issues and concerns, but neither Republican nor Democrat lawmakers appeared ready to quickly approve the federal funding package he brokered with the Senate without first debating their own demands over immigration enforcement operations.
Elsewhere, the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt was proving to be difficult, according to Sky News on February 2, 2026. While Israeli authorities said the crossing was open for civilians, only five people requiring urgent medical attention had managed to cross into Egypt.
Also on February 2, 2026, Sky News reported that the next seven days could be critical in averting war between America and Iran. The region is heading for a crunchpoint, with the possibility of conflict between Iran, the US, and its allies, or the start of a diplomatic breakthrough. President Trump believes the Iranian government is in a difficult position and can only resolve it by making a deal with him.
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