Five Die In Japan From Intense Summer Heatwave

Tokyo, Japan (AHN) – Intense heat and heat exhaustion claimed the lives of five people in Japan on Wednesday.

Residents across the island nation’s eastern and central regions are struggling to deal with intense summer temperatures topping the a blistering heat wave with temperatures topping 100 degrees.

According to reports three people working on a farm, including two elderly women, died in eastern Japan while the two others died at home.

An 89-year-old woman in central Tokyo is listed as being in critical condition after suffering with heat stroke early Thursday.

In total 168 people have been hospitalized in connection with the heat, bringing the total for July to 476, the highest in five years.

Record-high figures were observed in four locations in Gunma, Tochigi and Shimane prefectures.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency said that in Tajimi City, central Japan, the temperature reached 102 degrees fahrenheit, the country’s highest this summer.

Experts say the severe heat could last until Saturday hwoever the weekend forecast says rain is expected followed by a cold air system from the north.

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