Japan’s heat wave called a natural disaster

Japanese officials classified the country’s historic heat wave as a natural disaster, warning citizens Tuesday to stay inside and avoid life-threatening temperatures of 104 degrees in some areas.

At least 65 people have died in the blistering heat since early July, but the actual figure is thought to be much higher.

“AccuWeather estimates the death toll from the Japan heat wave is likely already in the hundreds despite the official toll, and we predict the number will climb into the thousands before the heat wave ends,” said Joel Myers, the company’s president and founder.

More than 22,000 people have been taken to hospitals with heat-stroke symptoms, Japanese officials said. In the city of Kumagaya, temperatures soared to 106 degrees on Monday, the highest temperature ever reported in the country. In Tokyo, the heat reached 104 degrees.

“We are observing unprecedented levels of heat in some areas,” weather agency spokesman Motoaki Takekawa said, according to the BBC.

Officials are especially concerned about children because less than half of Japan’s public schools have air conditioning. Summer break from school may be extended to keep children from overheated conditions, Yoshihide Suga, a government spokesman, said Tuesday.

“As a record heat wave continues to blanket the country, urgent measures are required to protect the lives of schoolchildren,” he said.

The Japan Meteorological Agency predicts temperatures will be 95 degrees and higher into August. It advised people to drink plenty of water, avoid direct sunlight and use air conditioning.