Weather-linked deaths top 300 in Japan’s deadly month

TOKYO: More than 300 people died in July from weather-related disasters in one of Japan’s deadliest months in recent years.

First came record rainfall. Disaster authorities say at least 220 people were killed early in the month by severe flooding and landslides in western Japan, with nine more still missing and presumed dead. That was followed by record temperatures topping 40°C. The heat has been blamed for 116 deaths.