Preliminary data from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency revealed a sharp rise in the number of individuals being rushed to hospitals for heatstroke during a week that saw temperatures soar to 40 degrees Celsius in certain cities in Japan. The figures showed that 9,105 individuals sought emergency hospital care for suspected heatstroke across the country, demonstrating a drastic increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Within this alarming statistic, it was highlighted that individuals aged 65 and above were prominently affected, representing 5,378 cases, which accounted for 59.1% of the total reported cases.

As temperatures reached extreme highs in various regions of Japan, the impact of the sweltering heat wave became evident through the surge in heat-related health emergencies. The data underscored the vulnerability of older individuals to heat-related illnesses, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures to protect this age group during such temperature extremes. The significant increase in the number of heatstroke cases within a short span raised concerns about the effects of climate change and the importance of adapting to and mitigating the risks associated with increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves.