Japan on alert: Scorching heat and torrential rain pose threat

The temperatures nearing a record-breaking 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in some areas, including Tokyo, national broadcaster NHK warned viewers about the life-threatening levels of heat, reported AFP.

The alerts covered 20 out of the country's 47 prefectures, primarily in the eastern and southwestern regions, urging residents to stay hydrated, use air conditioners judiciously, and avoid outings that could be challenging.

Simultaneously, heavy rainfall battered northern Japan, leading to flooding and even landslides.

In Akita prefecture, a man was tragically found dead inside a submerged car in a rice field, adding to the toll of similar incidents in the southwest that claimed seven lives last week.

Scientists have linked the intensification of heavy rains in Japan and other parts of the world to climate change, as a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, stated AFP.

The annual rainy season in Japan, known for its downpours, poses a consistent risk of flooding and landslides, but the changing climate exacerbates these dangers.

As extreme weather events become increasingly common, the nation faces the urgent challenge of adapting to and mitigating the impact of these environmental changes.