Japan: Death toll from heat wave climbs to 80

By Adem Salvarcioglu

ANKARA (AA) - The recent heat wave in Japan has claimed 80 lives, according to officials on Wednesday.

In a statement, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency in Japan said the death toll from the extreme heat -- worst in Japan’s history -- between July 9-22 has risen to 80.

More than 30,000 people were hospitalized, as well.

On Tuesday, Japan’s Meteorology Department said temperature hit a record high of 41.1 Celsius in Kumagaya located north of capital Tokyo and declared “natural disaster” in the country.

Separately, the flood that hit the country early in the month, claimed 222 lives.