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Climbers Warned to Prepare for Hypothermia Risks in Hokkaido Mountains

HOKKAIDO, May 29 (News On Japan) - A British couple in light clothing was rescued from Mount Yotei in Hokkaido on May 13th, after sending an SOS due to the cold. The incident has reignited concern over poorly prepared climbers, especially foreign visitors, as mountain guides emphasize the need for greater awareness of hypothermia risks, particularly in northern Japan.

The pair, a 30-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, were found near the ninth station of Mount Yotei, a peak standing 1,898 meters high in the Shiribeshi region. They were wearing only a thin jumper and shorts, and a short-sleeved shirt with long pants, respectively. Despite clear weather, the wind had brought a chill to the mountain, which still had patches of lingering snow. When Hokkaido police rescue personnel reached them, the man was visibly shivering and apologized repeatedly, saying "Sorry... I'm sorry."

The two had entered the mountain around 10:30 a.m. but called for help just after 6 p.m., saying they were too cold to reach a mountain shelter. Their gear was deemed inadequate for the conditions. According to Daisuke Sasaki, chairman of the Hokkaido Mountain Guide Association, temperatures on Mount Yotei can drop below zero even in mid-May, depending on the weather, making proper cold-weather gear essential.

Hokkaido’s mountainous terrain has a record of fatal accidents due to hypothermia. In July 2009, nine climbers died in the Tomuraushi area of the Daisetsuzan range during a rainstorm with temperatures near 8°C and wind speeds reaching 20 to 25 meters per second. Sasaki warns that mountains in Hokkaido require more preparation than those in Honshu due to their higher latitude, generally lower temperatures, and lower tree lines, which offer less wind protection.

Sasaki advises that hikers should mentally add 1,000 meters to the actual elevation when planning a climb in Hokkaido, and carry gear appropriate for harsher conditions. He urged climbers to carry not just warm, waterproof clothing, but also sufficient food. "There is a real risk of injury or death," he said. "I hope people act with that in mind."

Source: HBCニュース　北海道放送

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