Japan HEATWAVE: 30 dead and 10,000 sick as temps soar to 40C

Health authorities have issued a dire warning to the public, urging them to take strict precautions against the summer heat as boiling weather continues to endanger locals.

Temperatures in central Japan reached 40.7C, the country’s highest recorded temperature in five years.

The Tokyo Fire Department responded to more than 3,000 emergency calls, with 317 people were taken to hospital. Across the nation around 10,000 people have been treated for heat exhaustion or sunstroke.

Locals in Kyoto experience 38C temperatures for seven consecutive days, the region’s first occurrence since temperatures were recorded in the 19th century.

Students participating in outdoor activities were affecting by sizzling temperatures, as many flocked to hospital after showing symptoms of heat stroke and exhaustion.

The 2020 Olympic games are set to run from July 24 to August 9, where temperatures are expected to exceed 35C.

But Tokyo’s Application File to host the 2020 Games reads: “The pleasant weather conditions at this time of year will be ideal for athletes.”

On Tuesday, a six-year-old boy died of heatstroke during a school outing at Wago Park, Aichi Prefecture.

The boy, from Umesubo Elementary School, lost consciousness when he returned back to class, and was immediately rushed to hospital.

However, doctors pronounced him dead shortly afterwords.

The boy complained of being “tired” when he and his classmates headed to the park, lagging behind the other children.

Takashi Yabushita, principal of the city-run Umetsubo Elementary School said: “A precious life has been lost at school and we apologise for that.”

Japan’s education ministers have issued a dire warning to all schools to take precautions and prevent children from getting heat-related conditions.

Masuji Hattori, a professor at Hyogo College of Medicine’s pediatric department told Japan’s Asahi newspaper: “In principle, people should not go outside under the blazing sun, and outdoor activities should be suspended when the warning is issued.”

Japan’s meteorological agency has urged people to drink more water to prevent heat exhaustion.

The country’s raging temperatures are making flood recovery efforts in western Japan harder, as volunteers struggle to cope with the heat.

Over 200 people have died following torrential rainfall in Japan, triggering massive land slides across the country.

More than eight million people have been ordered to evacuate their homes after floods swept across residential estates.