Tokyo heatwave ‘worst since 1875’
State power supply creaks under strain
Japan baked under scorching temperatures for a fourth successive day yesterday, as the capital’s heat broke nearly 150-year-old records for June and authorities warned power supply remained tight enough to raise the spectre of cuts.
The heatwave comes less than two weeks before a national election in which prices, including the cost of electricity, are among key issues picked by voters in opinion polls that show the government’s approval rating slipping — with politicians including Tokyo’s governor urging power price cuts.
A high of 34°C was predicted for Tokyo yesterday, after three successive days of temperatures topping 35°C — the worst streak of hot weather in June since records began in 1875.
Cases of hospitalisation from heatstroke rose early in the day, with many in the capital continue to flout government advice by continuing to wear face masks outdoors — a legacy of more than two years of the Covid19 pandemic.
For a second day, authorities asked consumers in the Tokyo area to conserve electricity to avoid a looming power cut. The heatwave comes less than two weeks before a national election in which surging prices — including electricity — are rated the top concern for voters in opinion polls that show the government’s approval rating slipping.
As of 9am local time yesterday, 13 people had been taken to hospital
with suspected heatstroke, Fuji News Network said. At least two people are believed to have died from heatstroke, media said, prompting authorities to moderate their calls for power saving.
“Apparently there are some elderly
people who have turned off their air conditioners because we are asking people to save energy, but please — it’s this hot — don’t hesitate about cooling off,” trade and industry minister Koichi Hagiuda said.
The reserve ratio for Tokyo during the evening yesterday was expected to fall below 5% as of Monday evening, close to the minimum of 3% that ensures stable supply, in Tokyo and eight surrounding prefectures. Reserve capacity below 3% risks power shortages and blackouts.
Monday’s warning prompted government offices to turn off some lights in the afternoon and evening in a bid to save energy.