Japan heatwave: Warnings issued amid scorching temperatures

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Children play in a water fountain in a Tokyo park, as a heatwave grips Japan, 10 July 2018



People across Japan have been urged to take precautions against a heatwave that has killed about 30 people.
Thousands more have sought hospital treatment for heat-related conditions over the past two weeks.
Temperatures reached 40.7C (105F) in central Japan earlier this week, a five-year nationwide peak.
The Japanese education ministry told schools to take thorough measures to prevent heat stroke after a six-year-old boy died following an outdoor class in Aichi Prefecture on Tuesday.
Japan's meteorological agency urged people to drink sufficient water to prevent heat exhaustion.
A volunteer for recovery work wipes his sweat in Okayama Prefecture, 14 July 2018Image copyrightREUTERS
Image captionThe heatwave has caused misery for volunteers in flooded parts of Japan
The temperatures are also complicating flood recovery efforts in western Japan, as many volunteers struggle with the heat.
More than 200 people were killed in the floods and mudslides triggered by record rainfall earlier this month.

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