TOKYO: Fifty-seven people have died due to heat-related medical issues in Japan since last week, the government said on Tuesday, with the number of those taken to hospitals more than tripling to 18,347 from the previous week's 5,664.

The weekly figure for hospitalizations due to high temperatures was the second highest since tallies began in 2008, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

 

 ALSO READ: Japan heatwave kills 65 in one week; weather agency classifyies record-breaking weather as 'natural disaster'

Of the 18,347 people, 729 had severe symptoms, while 6,548 had less serious issues, requiring shorter stays. Those aged 65 and older accounted for 54.3 per cent of the total, the Japan Times reported.

Tokyo had the most people taken to hospitals at 1,857, followed by 1,342 in Aichi Prefecture and 1,307 in Saitama Prefecture.

Deaths were reported across 24 prefectures, with Hokkaido seeing the most at seven, followed by five each in Ibaraki and Saitama.

A high pressure system over the Japanese archipelago preserved extreme heat, said the agency.

It advised people to constantly stay hydrated and rest in cooler areas. </s> • 77 people have died and 30,000 have been sent to hospitals across Japan as a heatwave sweeps the country.
• Temperatures reached 41.1 degrees Celsius (105.8 Farenheit) on Monday in Kumagaya, an all-time record in Japan.
• Japan’s Meteorological Agency has warned temperatures are a “threat to life.”
• The heat wave has persisted following torrential rains which triggered landslides and heavy flooding in western Japan this month.

77 people have died and tens of thousands more have been sent to hospitals across Japan as a heatwave continues to sweep the country.

Temperatures reached a record high of 41.1 degrees Celsius (105.8 Farenheit) on Monday in Kumagaya, a city northwest of Tokyo in the Saitama prefecture, according to Kyodo News. Since July 9, over 30,000 people have been checked at Japanese hospitals and many of the fatalities were reportedly elderly citizens.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency said at a news conference Monday that the scorching temperatures were a “threat to life.”

“We recognize it as a natural disaster,” a spokesperson said.

Extreme heat is expected to continue for two more weeks, with forecasted weather set to exceed 35 degrees Celsius (95 Farenheit) on Tuesday in several prefectures, including Tokyo and Saitama. The agency issued a warning asking the public to stay hydrated and take preventive measures against heatstroke.

The heat wave has persisted following torrential rains which triggered landslides and heavy flooding in western Japan.

Over 200 people were killed, Japan’s highest death toll caused by rainfall in decades. </s> Fifty-seven people died due to heat-related medical issues in Japan over the week starting July 29, the government said Tuesday, with the number of those taken to hospitals more than tripling to 18,347 from the previous week’s 5,664.

The weekly figure for hospitalizations due to high temperatures was the second highest since tallies began in 2008, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

Of the 18,347 people, 729 had severe symptoms that will require more than three weeks of treatment as an inpatient, while 6,548 had less serious issues, requiring shorter stays. Those age 65 and older accounted for 54.3 percent of the total.

Tokyo had the most people taken to hospitals at 1,857, followed by 1,342 in Aichi Prefecture and 1,307 in Saitama Prefecture. Deaths were reported across 24 prefectures, with Hokkaido seeing the most at seven, followed by five each in Ibaraki and Saitama.

A high pressure system over the Japanese archipelago preserved extreme heat, said the agency. It is advising people to constantly stay hydrated and rest in cooler areas. </s> 57 people died and more than 18,000 were taken to hospital in the space of a single week as Japan grappled with a powerful heat wave.

According to Kyodo News, 18,347 people were taken to the hospital in the last week, more than three times the number recorded the week before that.

The figures are for July 29 to August 4, and were released at the beginning of this week. They paint a bleak picture of how Japan is copying with its ongoing high temperatures.

Just over half of those hospitalized were aged 65 and older, the report said. It is common for the very old and very young to suffer worst in extreme temperatures.

The highest number of hospitalizations occurred in Tokyo, where more than 1,800 people were hospitalized, Kyodo said.

Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency told said that atmospheric high pressure led to the lengthy hot period. Temperatures climbed to 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) in Tokyo in the last week.

On Wednesday, temperatures reached 38.4 C (101 F) in Kumagaya, a city northwest of Tokyo, and 36.9 C (98.4 F) in Fukushima and Osaka, according to Japan's public broadcaster, NHK.

High temperatures have plagued Japan for weeks, resulting in scores of heat-related deaths this summer.

Last month, more than 80 people died in a heat wave where temperatures climbed above 40 C (104 F) in parts of the country.

Then temperatures reached a record 41.1 C (105.8 F) according to Kyodo News, prompting Japan's Meteorological Agency to issue a warning that the heat posed a "threat to life."

"We recognize it as a natural disaster," a spokesperson said last month. </s> Officials are warning residents in Japan to take precautions during the hottest heatwave in five years. More than 10,000 people have been taken to hospital due to heat stroke-related symptoms according to The Japan Times. Tokyo fire department reported that rescue teams on June 19 responded to more than 3,000 emergency calls with 317 people taken to hospital. Students who have been taking part in activities outside have been affected by scorching temperatures, with some taken to hospital showing signs of exhaustion and heatstroke.

Flights have faced delays due to the sweltering temperatures, with a runway at Tokyo’s Haneda airport weakening and caving in under the heat. Kyoto City has had temperatures reach above 38C for seven days straight, the longest since records began in the 19th Century. Japan’s Meteorological Agency has predicted that high temperatures could last until August 2.

The temperatures are causing concern for the 2020 Olympics which are being held in Tokyo in the summer months. Whilst hot locations for the Olympics are nothing new, Japan’s combination of scorching heat and smothering humidity can be a deadly combination. How many people have died? The death toll currently stands at 30 people, with 10 deaths reported on Thursday, June 19 alone.

A six-year-old boy died on June 17 after taking part in a lesson outside. This tragedy led to the education ministry advising schools across the country to enact preventive measures. The hot weather will reportedly continue, with Accuweather predicting the death toll will continue to rise. “AccuWeather estimates the death toll from Japan heatwave is likely already in the hundreds despite the official toll of somewhat more than two dozen, and we predict the number will climb into the thousands before the heatwave ends,” AccuWeather President and Founder Dr Joel N. Myers said.

A six-year-old boy died on June 17 after taking part in a lesson outside. This tragedy led to the education ministry advising schools across the country to enact preventive measures. The hot weather will reportedly continue, with Accuweather predicting the death toll will continue to rise. “AccuWeather estimates the death toll from Japan heatwave is likely already in the hundreds despite the official toll of somewhat more than two dozen, and we predict the number will climb into the thousands before the heatwave ends,” AccuWeather President and Founder Dr Joel N. Myers said. “The actual total human toll may not ever be known as heat-related fatality reports are historically underdone since not all deaths are correctly attributed to heat and some result from accelerating serious health issues and the fatalities show up weeks later. </s> • 57 people died, and 18,000 were taken to hospital, in the space of a single week in Japan, which is grappling with a powerful heat wave.
• According to Kyodo News, more than triple the number of hospitalizations occurred this week in response to heat, most of which were for people aged over 65.
• High temperatures have plagued Japan for weeks, and show little sign of stopping.

57 people died and more than 18,000 were taken to hospital in the space of a single week as Japan grappled with a powerful heat wave.

According to Kyodo News, 18,347 people were taken to the hospital in the last week, more than three times the number recorded the week before that.

The figures are for July 29 to August 4, and were released at the beginning of this week. They paint a bleak picture of how Japan is copying with its ongoing high temperatures.

Just over half of those hospitalized were aged 65 and older, the report said. It is common for the very old and very young to suffer worst in extreme temperatures.

The highest number of hospitalizations occurred in Tokyo, where more than 1,800 people were hospitalized, Kyodo said.

Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency told said that atmospheric high pressure led to the lengthy hot period. Temperatures climbed to 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) in Tokyo in the last week.

On Wednesday, temperatures reached 38.4 C (101 F) in Kumagaya, a city northwest of Tokyo, and 36.9 C (98.4 F) in Fukushima and Osaka, according to Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK.

High temperatures have plagued Japan for weeks, resulting in scores of heat-related deaths this summer.

Last month, more than 80 people died in a heat wave where temperatures climbed above 40 C (104 F) in parts of the country.

Then temperatures reached a record 41.1 C (105.8 F) according to Kyodo News, prompting Japan’s Meteorological Agency to issue a warning that the heat posed a “threat to life.”

“We recognize it as a natural disaster,” a spokesperson said last month. </s> Heatwave in Japan kills 57 in one week with 18,000 hospitalized - Fifty-seven people died due to heat-related medical issues in Japan over the week starting July 29, the government said Tuesday, with the number of those taken to hospitals more than tripling from the previous week's 5,664 to 18,347. Tokyo - Fifty-seven people died due to heat-related medical issues in Japan over the week starting July 29, the government said Tuesday, with the number of those taken to hospitals more than tripling from the previous week's 5,664 to 18,347. According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, this week's figures of those sent to hospitals was the second-highest since heat-related injury tallies began in 2008, according to the Senior citizens accounted for over half of the total number of heat-related illnesses, with 729 exhibiting severe symptoms that will require more than three weeks of treatment, health officials said. Tokyo had the largest number of hospitalizations, with 1,857, followed by 1,342 in Aichi and 1,307 in Saitama prefectures. Deaths were reported across 24 prefectures, with seven in Hokkaido in northern Japan. In Tokyo, an 8:30 a.m. power outage left “An announcement told us to open the windows, and passengers worked together to do so. After we exited onto the tracks, I felt scared when I saw people being taken away on stretchers,” said a 54-year-old woman who had been on one of the suspended trains. August is the hottest month in Japan, with the average temperature in Tokyo hitting 79°F (26°C), while the coldest month is January at 41°F (5°C). However, in Tokyo on Tuesday morning at 9 a.m., the temperature was 32.5 C (90.5°F).According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, this week's figures of those sent to hospitals was the second-highest since heat-related injury tallies began in 2008, according to the Japan Times. Senior citizens accounted for over half of the total number of heat-related illnesses, with 729 exhibiting severe symptoms that will require more than three weeks of treatment, health officials said. Tokyo had the largest number of hospitalizations, with 1,857, followed by 1,342 in Aichi and 1,307 in Saitama prefectures. Deaths were reported across 24 prefectures, with seven in Hokkaido in northern Japan.In Tokyo, an 8:30 a.m. power outage left eight trains stranded on the tracks between stations, forcing the Keikyu Corporation, which owns the train system to resort to backup power, however, they could not use this to run the air-conditioning system in the train cars.“An announcement told us to open the windows, and passengers worked together to do so. After we exited onto the tracks, I felt scared when I saw people being taken away on stretchers,” said a 54-year-old woman who had been on one of the suspended trains. </s> A jacket with fans, road coating that cools down the heat and factory mist sprays were all on offer at a Japanese trade fair on Thursday as the nation struggles with a record heatwave. Ed Giles reports.

AN EXTREME heatwave that has hit in Japan has led to temperatures as high as 40C, with the casualties climbing up as more deaths were reported.

The Japan Times reports that more than 10,000 people had been taken to hospital due to heat stroke related symptoms.

The death toll had climbed to 30, after 10 more deaths were reported on Thursday.

Some areas in central Japan registered record high temperatures of 40C, said the Japan Meteorological Agency.

On Friday, temperatures had reached a little above 35C, with the heatwave set to continue over the next few days.

The Tokyo Fire Department reported that, rescue teams Thursday responded to more than 3000 emergency calls as the temperatures soared to 40C and 317 people were taken to hospital.

Students involved in outdoor activities across the country were also affected by the rising temperatures and some were taken to hospital after they showed symptoms of heat stroke and exhaustion.

A six-year-old child died on Tuesday after participating in an outdoor class in school, which led the education ministry to urge educational institutions across the country to adopt preventive measures.

West Japan, still grappling with the devastating effects of torrential rains in the beginning of July, has now been hit by the high temperatures, which are hampering rescue and reconstruction efforts.

High temperatures also caused flight delays on Wednesday from Tokyo’s Haneda airport after one of the runway’s floor weakened due to heat and caved in, the Japanese transport ministry said.

The heatwave is expected to continue into next week, with AccuWeather estimating the death toll would rise.

“AccuWeather estimates the death toll from Japan heatwave is likely already in the hundreds despite the official toll of somewhat more than two dozen, and we predict the number will climb into the thousands before the heatwave ends,” AccuWeather President and Founder Dr. Joel N. Myers said.

“The actual total human toll may not ever be known as heat-related fatality reports are historically underdone since not all deaths are correctly attributed to heat and some result from accelerating serious health issues and the fatalities show up weeks later.

“The elderly and those with pre-existent conditions, such as asthma and heart failure, are likely to face declining health due to exacerbation of their conditions due to weather.

“Heat exhaustion and stroke, dehydration, migraines, loss of sleep and mood alteration can all occur due to dangerous heat.

“Historical data shows that more people are likely to be involved in vehicle crashes due to heat-related impacts, such as decreased ability to concentrate, the poor quality of sleep they get and impaired mood, etc.”

The heatwave in Japan is also reviving concerns about the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which will be held during the country’s notoriously sweltering summer.

While the Games have been held in places that are hotter or more humid than Tokyo, including Athens and Beijing, Japan’s sweaty summers offer both blistering heat and smothering humidity in a particularly unpleasant, and sometimes deadly, combination.

Olympic officials and Tokyo’s local government are touting measures from solar-blocking paint on roads to mobile misting stations to tackle the heat.

But some experts fear the efforts are insufficient, in a country where summer heat kills hundreds of people and hospitalises tens of thousands each year. </s> A heat wave that continues to grip Japan has sent more than 70,000 people to hospitals across the country over the last three months, far exceeding the previous annual record in 2013, government data showed Tuesday.

A total of 71,266 people, including 138 who died, were rushed to hospitals for suspected heatstroke and heat exhaustion between April 30 and Aug 5, according to the data from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

The tally already outstripped the previous all-time high of 58,729, registered between June 1 and Sept. 30 in 2013, as the scorching heat has raised the mercury to unprecedented levels in many areas.

On July 23, the temperature reached a Japanese record of 41.1 C in Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, near Tokyo, prompting the country's weather agency to call the heat "a natural disaster."

The temperature in the city of Gero in Gifu Prefecture logged the country's second-highest level of 41.0 C on Monday.

Tokyo saw the largest number of people taken to hospitals at 5,994, followed by 5,272 in Osaka and 5,195 in Aichi prefectures. Of the 71,266 people, 1,651 were severely sick, making it necessary for them to be hospitalized for more than three weeks, according to the data.

About 40 percent or 29,070 people of the total were taken from their homes, while 5,068 people fell sick at educational facilities, including elementary schools and kindergartens. Elderly people accounted for 48.2 percent of the total.

Over the week to Sunday, 13,575 were rushed to hospitals and 13 of them died, the data showed.

The disaster management agency expects the heat to continue and warned the public to take preventive measures such as drinking enough water and using air conditioners.

In a related development, the education ministry on Tuesday issued an advisory asking local officials across Japan to consider extending this year's summer holiday for pupils as necessary to protect them from heatstroke.
The death toll from an intense heat wave in Japan rises to 77.