Tokyo issues warning as some die from heatstroke

Japan’s unprecedented heatwave has led to a record number of heatstroke cases in many parts of the country. - PHOTO: AFP

THE government has issued a warning on heatstroke in Tokyo and areas in its east and west, as hot and humid conditions behind several recent deaths drove some people to use new “cooling shelters” set up around the capital.

Authorities urged people to avoid physical activity as the environment ministry issued top danger-level alerts, while media said scores of people were hospitalised, with some dying from heatstroke symptoms over the last few days.