TOKYO, Sept 23 (NNN-NHK) – Japan in Aug, saw a total of 34,835 individuals taken to hospitals nationwide, with heatstroke symptoms, as the country baked under record summer temperatures, government data showed yesterday.
The figure, although lower than the record-breaking 43,060 hospitalisations last Aug, still marked the third-highest ever recorded for Aug, Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency, said.
Elderly people formed the most affected group among the heatstroke cases, with those aged 65 and older comprising 55 percent of heatstroke-related hospitalisations, the data showed.
Of the 34,835 people taken to hospitals, 48 died, 11,176 required hospitalisation and 23,456 were in fair condition.
The data also offered insights into where heatstroke incidents were most likely to occur. Residential areas recorded the highest number of cases at 14,602, followed by roadways at 5,378 cases. Public outdoor spaces, such as stadiums and parking lots, saw a total of 4,386 cases.
Underscoring public awareness of heat-related illnesses, the agency called on citizens to take preventive measures, such as staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and using cooling methods to reduce the risk of heatstroke.
Japan saw the highest average temperature for the summer since records began, with the average temperature for the Jun-Aug period this year surpassing the usual level by 1.76 degrees Celsius, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
This exceeded the previous record hike of 1.08 degrees set in 2010, making it the hottest summer in Japanese history since records began in 1898, it added.– NNN-NHK
