Japan Heatstroke Sufferers Total Record 71,000 This Summer

August 7, 2018

Tokyo- The number of people taken to hospital due to heatstroke has hit a record high of 71,266 this summer, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said Tuesday.

The death toll stood at 138 during the survey period between April 30 and Sunday, according to preliminary data. The survey began in 2008.

Severe heat waves have gripped the Japanese archipelago this summer, lifting temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius at many locations since mid-July.

Regarding heatstroke sufferers sent to hospital, the previous record was 58,729, marked in June-September in 2013, followed by 52,984 in May-September last year.

The record death toll is 171, struck in 2010.

By prefecture, Tokyo saw the largest figure this summer, at 5,994, followed by Osaka at 5,272 and Aichi at 5,195.

In the western region hit hard by heavy rains last month, heatstroke sufferers numbered 1,779 in Okayama, 1,781 in Hiroshima and 898 in Ehime.

Elderly people aged 65 or over accounted for nearly half of the total heatstroke sufferers, at 34,321.

High temperatures are expected to continue this month in the eastern and western regions.

The agency is warning people to take breaks frequently and drink enough fluid. Jiji Press