19 Aug

Tokyo authorities say 24 people died of heatstroke in the metropolitan area in the four days through Monday, amid scorching temperatures, pushing the death toll for this month to 103.

The Medical Examiner's Office said the victims ranged in age from their 50s to 90s. Elderly people made up the majority of fatalities. Ten people in their 80s died, followed by nine in their 70s.

Seven of the victims died at night. Twenty-two died indoors. Among them, 19 were not using air conditioners.

Public health authorities are advising people to use air conditioning all night, and to stay hydrated to help prevent heatstroke.

GNLM