Japan is currently experiencing one of the worst heatwaves in centuries as the temperature exceeded 95 degrees Fahrenheit for the eighth straight day in Tokyo on Sunday. This heatwave raises concerns about potential power outages as heat related hospitalizations rise.
This is only the second time such a streak has been recorded in Tokyo, the first being in 1875 when they first began keeping record. As a result, according to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency, “Over 4,500 people with such symptoms were taken to hospitals in ambulances in recent days, more than four times the number from the same period a year ago.” A majority of these patients are senior citizens 65 and older, which isn’t particularly surprising given the fact that almost 30% of Japan’s population is made up of senior citizens.
Apart from issuing daily heat alerts, authorities have also been strongly encouraging everyone to stay inside while keeping their fans running. However, they also suggest that citizens reduce their use of other power sources to conserve energy such as by setting fridges to higher temperatures and temporarily turning off heated toilet seats. Consequently, many people have been working in dark offices as major power companies warn of potential outages.
Despite the countless warnings, the panic surrounding a possible outage is not unfounded. Japan is particularly vulnerable to power shortages because they rely mainly on liquified natural gas which is not only hard to stockpile, but has also risen in price since the Russia-Ukraine war has begun.
Thankfully, according to Japan’s Ministry of Economy, “The heat is expected to be reduced next week, and the power demand will also be less.”
In the meantime, authorities are urging people to take care of themselves. “You can’t manage the heat just with your endurance. No matter how tough a person you are, you could lose your life,” said Kentaro Araki, a researcher at the Japan Meteorological Agency. “Please take every possible measure to protect your life.”
Sources: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/25/world/asia/japan-heat-wave.html
This is only the second time such a streak has been recorded in Tokyo, the first being in 1875 when they first began keeping record. As a result, according to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency, “Over 4,500 people with such symptoms were taken to hospitals in ambulances in recent days, more than four times the number from the same period a year ago.” A majority of these patients are senior citizens 65 and older, which isn’t particularly surprising given the fact that almost 30% of Japan’s population is made up of senior citizens.
Apart from issuing daily heat alerts, authorities have also been strongly encouraging everyone to stay inside while keeping their fans running. However, they also suggest that citizens reduce their use of other power sources to conserve energy such as by setting fridges to higher temperatures and temporarily turning off heated toilet seats. Consequently, many people have been working in dark offices as major power companies warn of potential outages.
Despite the countless warnings, the panic surrounding a possible outage is not unfounded. Japan is particularly vulnerable to power shortages because they rely mainly on liquified natural gas which is not only hard to stockpile, but has also risen in price since the Russia-Ukraine war has begun.
Thankfully, according to Japan’s Ministry of Economy, “The heat is expected to be reduced next week, and the power demand will also be less.”
In the meantime, authorities are urging people to take care of themselves. “You can’t manage the heat just with your endurance. No matter how tough a person you are, you could lose your life,” said Kentaro Araki, a researcher at the Japan Meteorological Agency. “Please take every possible measure to protect your life.”
Sources: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/25/world/asia/japan-heat-wave.html
