Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency says the weekly number of people taken to hospital for heatstroke has topped 10,000 for the first time this year, Report informs via NHK World Japan.
The agency says 10,857 people with heatstroke were transported to hospitals across the country during the week through July 19, more than double the figure of the previous week.
Among those afflicted, 14 died, 4,382 were hospitalized with severe or moderate symptoms, and 6,361 had mild symptoms that did not require hospitalization.
The agency says the surge in the number of people taken to hospital and deaths due to the scorching weather amounts to what it calls a “disaster.” It says the extreme heat is expected to continue across the country.
The agency is urging people to stay hydrated, use air conditioners and take breaks frequently during outdoor activities.