Heatstroke alerts issued in Japan as temperatures soar
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Tokyo: Japan has issued heatstroke alerts to tens of millions of people as the country faces near-record high temperatures in various regions, while heavy rainfall continues to batter other areas.
The national broadcaster NHK has warned viewers that the heat has reached life-threatening levels, with temperatures soaring close to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in some places, including the capital city Tokyo. "Please stay hydrated and use air conditioners appropriately, and refrain from outings that seem difficult," advised a news presenter.
The government has issued heatstroke alerts for 20 out of the country's 47 prefectures, mainly in the eastern and southwestern regions, affecting a significant population. Heatstroke can be fatal as it can cause damage to the brain, kidneys, and other organs. It can also trigger other health conditions such as heart attacks or respiratory problems.
In Gunma prefecture's Kiryu city, located north of Tokyo, temperatures reached 39.7 degrees Celsius, while western Tokyo's Hachioji recorded 38.9 degrees Celsius, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Japan's highest recorded temperature stands at 41.1 degrees Celsius, initially recorded in Kumagaya city, Saitama, in 2018, and then matched in Hamamatsu city, Shizuoka, in 2020.
Several regions experienced their highest temperatures in over four decades on Sunday. For instance, Hirono town in Fukushima prefecture recorded 37.3 degrees Celsius, and the hot spring resort city Nasushiobara reached 35.4 degrees Celsius, according to data from the weather agency.
Meanwhile, northern Japan continues to face torrential rain, leading to instances of flooding and landslides. In Akita prefecture, a man was found dead in a car submerged in a rice field, following similar weather-related incidents that claimed the lives of seven individuals in the country's southwest region, reported AFP.
Japan is currently in its annual rainy season, known for heavy downpours that can result in flooding, landslides, and casualties. Scientists have highlighted that climate change is exacerbating the risk of intense rainfall in Japan and other parts of the world, as a warmer atmosphere has the capacity to hold more water.