In Japan, more than 300 people have lost their lives this month from weather-related disasters.

Disaster authorities said, at least 220 people were killed early this month by severe flooding and landslides in western Japan, with nine people still missing and presumed dead. About half of the victims were in Hiroshima prefecture. More than 70,000 troops and emergency workers were dispatched to distribute relief supplies and dig through debris to search for the missing.

Floods in some areas were followed by record temperatures.  The heat claimed 116 lives. The mercury hit 41.1 degrees last week in Kumagaya, the highest-ever recorded in Japan.