Death toll rises in China's north following extreme rain, state media says
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RTHK
43 minutes ago
- RTHK
Japan swelters through its hottest day ever
Japan swelters through its hottest day ever People in Tokyo try to find relief amid the heatwave. Photo: AFP Japan recorded its highest-ever temperature of 41.8 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, prompting the government to advise residents to stay indoors and promise steps to ease weather-related damage to rice crops. Readings in the eastern city of Isesaki, in Gunma prefecture, surpassed the previous high of 41.2 degrees Celsius last week in the western city of Tamba in Hyogo prefecture, the country's meteorological agency said. So far this summer, more than 53,000 people have been taken to hospital for heat stroke, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. "Today is murderously hot," said 63-year-old auto worker Takeshi Ishikawa, who was filling his water bottle at a fountain in central Tokyo. "If it gets to 42 degrees, it would be hotter than my bath that I prepare at 40 degrees." Average temperatures across Japan have continued to climb after marking a record high in July for the third year in a row, while the northeastern region along the Sea of Japan has registered critically low levels of rainfall, raising concerns over the rice harvest. High temperatures have caused a proliferation of stink bugs in some rice-growing areas, even as the government is set to officially adopt a new policy on Tuesday of increased rice production to prevent future shortages. "We need to act with speed and a sense of crisis to prevent damage" from high temperatures, Farm Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said at a press conference. The government will offer support for pest control and measures to tackle drought, he said. Extreme heat in 2023 had damaged the quality of rice, causing an acute shortage last year that was exacerbated by the government's misreading of supply and demand. That led to historically high prices of the all-important staple food, causing a national crisis. (Reuters)
South China Morning Post
2 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong issues 4th black rainstorm alert in 8 days as heavy rains lash city, flood some areas
Read more: Hong Kong's weather forecaster issued a black rainstorm signal for a second time in six hours on August 5, 2025, as heavy showers drenched the city, paralysing many public services and prompting authorities to suspend classes. The Hong Kong Observatory raised its highest-level rainstorm warning at 5.50am and said it would remain in force until at least 3pm. The previous warning was issued at 11.45pm on August 4. The latest black warning was the fourth time in eight days that the observatory issued the signal, as a string of severe weather hit the city.
South China Morning Post
3 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong to keep black rainstorm signal in force until at least 5pm
This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP's journalism by subscribing . New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial. Hong Kong's weather forecaster issues a black rainstorm signal for a second time in six hours, with heavy showers flooding different areas and bringing the city to a standstill. The Hong Kong Observatory says on Tuesday that the highest-level rainstorm warning will be kept in force until at least 5pm. So far, 101 flights are delayed, two cancelled and two diverted to other airports. Follow the Post's updates as downpours batter the city. Play Reporting by Hoi Ying Lo, Oscar Liu, Connor Mycroft, Denise Tsang and Jeffie Lam More from our coverage:
