Japan speeds Kumamoto earthquake recovery as dangerous summer heat sets in

Natural disastersGovernment hopes to avoid spate of related deaths seen in recent temblorsKumamoto city recorded a high temperature of 40.3 C on Aug. 3, raising fears of additional deaths due to heatstroke. (Photo by Shun Kato)KOICHI KITANISHI and HIROTO OKURAAugust 4, 2026 07:14 JSTKUMAMOTO, Japan/TOKYO -- With Tuesday marking one week since Japan's Kumamoto prefecture was rocked by a powerful earthquake, recovery efforts are being accelerated as extreme temperatures over 40 C increase the risk of heatstroke and disaster-related deaths.