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Japan heatwave: 30 killed as country bakes in record-breaking temperatures

A heatwave gripping Japan has killed about 30 people as temperatures have soared over 40C.

Thousands of people have been taken to hospital for treatment with weather-related ailments in the past fortnight.

Temperatures reached 40.7C in central Japan earlier this week - the highest in the country in five years.

Cooling off: Children play in a water fountain in a Tokyo park (AFP/Getty Images)
Cooling off: Children play in a water fountain in a Tokyo park (AFP/Getty Images)

The city of Kyoto saw temperatures staying above 38C for seven consecutive days in a first since records began.

The heatwave has prompted questions over the wisdom of staging the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo over July and August.

Rescuers in Tokyo responded to more than 3,000 emergency calls on Friday, breaking the record of 2,900 set the previous day. A total of 317 people were taken to hospital.

The 2020 Olympics will run from July 24 to August 9, when temperatures in central Tokyo can exceed 35C.

Tokyo's Application File to host the 2020 Games reads: "The pleasant weather conditions at this time of year will be ideal for athletes."

But experts have warned the risk of heatstroke in Tokyo has escalated in recent years, while noting the Olympics are expected to take place in conditions when sports activities should normally be halted.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of extremely high temperatures and has called on people to take precautions such as drinking water and using air conditioners.