Saitama residents scramble to keep cool amid scorching heatーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

NHK WORLD-JAPAN

236 views • 2 hours ago

Video Summary

Kumagaya City, known for its extreme heat, is experiencing temperatures of 37°C, with residents describing the conditions as "hell." To combat the intense heat and humidity, cooling shelters have been established throughout the city. One such shelter, located in a former liquor store, offers a respite for construction workers and locals, providing air conditioning and frozen barley tea. The city has designated over 50 locations as shelters and implemented other measures like misters and a heat map website, while officials continue to advise caution and preventative measures against heatstroke.

Short Highlights

Kumagaya City faces extreme heat with temperatures reaching 37°C.
Cooling shelters are set up across the city, including in a liquor store.
Over 50 locations are designated as official cooling shelters.
City implements misters and a heat map website to aid residents.
Officials urge caution and preventative measures against heatstroke.

Key Details

Extreme Heat in Kumagaya City [00:01]

Kumagaya City is known as one of Japan's hottest cities, with past recorded temperatures exceeding 41°C.
Current temperatures are 37°C, accompanied by intense heat and humidity.
Residents describe the conditions as "hell" and feel overwhelmed by the heat.

It's been like hell these days. Truly hell.

Coping Mechanisms of Residents [00:34]

Locals are employing strategies to stay cool, such as using portable fans.
Protecting faces with parasols is another common method.

I always carry a portable fan and also protect my face with a parasol.

Innovative Cooling Shelters [00:42]

Cooling shelters have been established in various locations across the city.
A former liquor store has been repurposed to offer air-conditioned space for overheated individuals.
Construction workers found relief in this "oasis" after working in the heat.

This place is like an oasis. It helps us out a lot.

Amenities and Owner's Intentions [01:24]

The repurposed store offers sofas for relaxation and cooling down.
The owner, Nakajima, provides frozen barley tea, a Japanese summer staple, to those feeling unwell.
The initiative aims to foster love for the region and create a community space.

We started doing this out of the hope people would fall in love with the region and enjoy it even in the summer heat.

Official Cooling Shelter Network [01:58]

Cooling shelters are air-conditioned facilities designated by local governments nationwide.
They provide refuge from dangerous heat conditions.
In Kumagaya, over 50 locations, including public and private businesses, serve as shelters.

Cooling shelter like these are aironditioned facilities designated by local governments across Japan to provide refuge from dangerous heat.

Additional City Measures [02:17]

The city has installed misters outside Kumagaya Station to combat the heat.
A website has been created to display a heat map of the city, indicating the hottest areas.

They've also created a website where they show which parts of the city are hottest on a map.

Official Advice and Warnings [02:36]

City officials and weather authorities continue to urge caution regarding the extreme heat.
Residents are advised to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure.
Recommendations include using air conditioning, staying hydrated, and replenishing salt intake to prevent heatstroke.

They advise people to avoid spending long periods outdoors. Use air conditioning, stay hydrated, and regularly replenish salt to prevent heat stroke.