TOKYO: Japan has issued heatstroke alerts to tens of millions of people on Sunday as near-record high temperatures grip the country, while torrential rain continues to cause flooding in some regions.
Japan’s National broadcaster NHK warned viewers that the heat had reached life-threatening levels, with temperatures soaring to nearly 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in certain areas, including the capital city Tokyo.
The government has issued heatstroke warnings for 20 out of Japan’s 47 regions, primarily in the southwestern and eastern regions, affecting tens of millions of people. Heatstroke can be fatal as it damages vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, and others, and it can also trigger other conditions like heart attacks or breathing difficulties.
In Gunma prefecture, north of Tokyo, the city of Kiryu experienced temperatures reaching 39.7 degrees Celsius, while Hachioji in western Tokyo recorded 38.9 degrees Celsius, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The highest temperature ever recorded in Japan was 41.1 degrees Celsius, first registered in Kumagaya city, Saitama, in 2018, and then matched in Hamamatsu city, Shizuoka, in 2020.
Some areas saw their highest temperatures in over four decades on Sunday, including Hirono town in Fukushima prefecture with 37.3 degrees Celsius and the hot spring resort city of Nasushiobara with 35.4 degrees Celsius, according to data from the weather agency.
Torrential Rain and Flooding in Northern Japan
While heatwaves grip parts of Japan, northern regions continue to face torrential rain, resulting in flooding and at least one landslide. In Akita prefecture, a man was found dead in a car submerged in a rice field, adding to the toll from similar weather in the country’s southwest where seven people were killed last week.
Japan is currently witnessing its annual rainy season, which typically brings heavy rains, flooding, and landslides, often leading to fatal casualties. Scientists warn that the looming climate change is exacerbating the risk of heavy rainfall in parts of the world, including Japan, due to the capacity of a warmer atmosphere to hold more water.
Authorities are urging the public to stay hydrated, use air conditioning appropriately, and avoid outdoor activities that may be challenging in the extreme heat. At the same time, efforts are underway to address the ongoing challenges posed by the heavy rain, including evacuation measures and disaster response operations.
