It has been four days since heavy snowfall hit the mountainous Koshin region in east-central Japan, but some communities are still stranded and in need of rescue.

At present, about 1249 households, or 2480 people in the mountainous region shared by Saitama, Tokyo and Gunma prefectures are trapped as the snow removal operation continues.

In this video, a Saitama Prefecture helicopter rescue team airlifts three stranded mine employees in Chichibu.

The government has established a disaster response office to deal with the issue, and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has vowed to dispatch more Self Defense Forces to aid with snow removal and restoration.

About 1000 troops will be sent to help. The government will also dedicate up to 14 more helicopters to fly in necessary goods. They will also send more bulldozers to help remove the snow.