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Japan Suffers Deadly Record Heat Wave

by VOA News

   Japan is in the midst of a deadly, record-breaking heat wave.
   Thirty people have died with the high temperatures and thousands have
   been rushed to the hospital across the country.
   Officials are advising people to be sure to drink water and find air
   conditioning in an effort to avoid heat stroke.
   In central Japan, the temperature rose to 40.9 Celsius (105F).
   The city of Kyoto registered 38 Celsius (100F) for seven days in a row.
   The scorching temperatures have people wondering about the wisdom of
   holding the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
   John Coates, the head of an Olympic inspection team, was in Tokyo last
   week. He said heat will be a huge challenge for organizers.
   "We are mindful that we do have to prepare for extreme heat," Coates
   said. "You're not the first country to host the games in extreme heat.
   It's a natural consequence of being in July and August."