Japan is facing an exceptional heatwave. Since 9 July, the archipelago has been a furnace: in particular, the western regions are experiencing temperatures never recorded since data began to be measured systematically, namely since 1880. In Kyoto, for example, the temperature has exceeded 38 degrees Celsius.

Heat intensified by humidity levels

The average since the first ten days of July has been 35 degrees across the Asian nation, which is ten degrees above normal. Weather forecasts indicate that the phenomenon could last until the end of the month, posing "a serious danger to public health".

More than ten thousand people have already been hospitalised across the country, and the number of deaths linked to the extreme heat has now reached 30. Particularly high humidity levels are amplifying the sensation of heat: as a result, the 34 degrees reached over the weekend in the capital Tokyo were felt like 40 by the population.

People evacuated following the early-July floods in a critical situation

But the most difficult situation is undoubtedly that of the 4,400 people evacuated following the floods and landslides that caused 218 deaths and twelve missing at the beginning of July. Adding to this are the problems faced by military personnel, rescue workers and volunteers still working in the area to clear mud from homes.