Hot spell has claimed more than 30 lives and complicated post-flood recovery efforts
A heatwave in Japan has killed more than 30 people and complicated recovery efforts after recent flooding.
In three prefectures that bore the brunt of the deadly floods and landslides – Hiroshima, Okayama and Ehime – 145 people were hospitalised with heatstroke symptoms on Thursday as temperatures soared above 35C.
The tourist hotspot of Kyoto reached a record 39.8C on Thursday and recorded a high of 38.6C on Friday.
Across the country, 10 people died from heat-related conditions on Thursday, bringing the death toll over the past two weeks to more than 30, according to the Kyodo news agency.
“It’s so hot, even by Hiroshima standards,” said Kosei Mito, a volunteer tour guide, as temperatures in Hiroshima soared to 36.7C on Friday. Cyclists in the city could be seen trying to fend off the sun’s glare by holding umbrellas above themselves while they rode.
The hot and humid conditions are expected to continue over the coming days.
