Record Heatwave Claims Lives in Tokyo: Health Authorities Issue Urgent Warnings

Over 120 people succumbed to heatstroke in Tokyo in July, with many victims being elderly individuals who avoided using air conditioning. Japanese authorities have reported that this is the highest toll since a 2018 heatwave, emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated and using cooling devices.

More than 120 people died of heatstroke in the Tokyo metropolitan area in July, according to Japanese authorities. The nation's average temperature hit record highs, and heat warnings were in effect for much of the month.

The Tokyo Medical Examiner's Office reported that many of the 123 victims were elderly and found dead indoors. Despite having air conditioners installed, most were not using them. Health authorities stressed the importance of air conditioning and hydration to prevent dehydration, especially among the elderly who often avoid cooling devices.

This incident marks the largest number of heatstroke deaths in Tokyo's 23 metropolitan districts since 127 were recorded during a 2018 heatwave. From July 1 to July 28, over 37,000 people were treated for heatstroke across Japan, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

July's average temperature was 2.16 degrees Celsius higher than the average over the past 30 years, making it the hottest July since records began in 1898. On Tuesday, heatstroke warnings continued in Tokyo and western Japan, with downtown temperatures reaching about 34 degrees Celsius.

"I feel every year the hot period is getting longer," said Hidehiro Takano from Kyoto. He emphasized the necessity of air conditioning. Maxime Picavet, a French tourist, echoed this sentiment, showing a portable fan he bought in Tokyo. The meteorological agency predicts more heat in August, urging people to heed temperature forecasts and heatstroke alerts.

(With inputs from agencies.)