Monday, July 8, 2024 Japan is currently grappling with a severe heatwave, prompting the meteorological agency to issue heatstroke alerts for 26 of the country’s 47 prefectures. As temperatures soared to 40°C for the first time this year, the country is experiencing significant travel chaos and health risks, particularly affecting the elderly and young children. The extreme heat warnings came after Shizuoka in central Japan reported a temperature of 40°C in the early afternoon on Sunday.
This marks the highest temperature recorded in the city since records began in 1940, according to the local media. Additionally, 244 other locations in Japan saw temperatures rise to 35°C or higher, levels officially recognized as “extremely hot.” The Japan Meteorological Agency has urged residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, use air conditioners during the day and night, and drink plenty of water.
These measures are crucial to preventing heatstroke, which has become a growing concern given the recent temperature spikes. The heatwave has already resulted in at least four deaths in recent days. Victims include a man in his 70s who was found dead at his home after cutting grass, an 80-year-old man working on his farm, a woman in her 90s who collapsed at home, and an 83-year-old woman who died after working outside.
In Tokyo alone, 198 people were taken to the hospital with suspected heatstroke on Sunday. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that more than ha.