Heat wave kills three, hospitalizes 7,400 in Japan

TOKYO, July 28 (KUNA) -- About 7,400 people were taken to hospital by ambulance with symptoms of heatstroke in the week through July 26 in Japan, three of whom died on the way, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said Tuesday.
The figure was nearly 1,100 up from the previous seven days, the agency said in a preliminary report. The elderly were particularly vulnerable to the high temperatures, with 46 percent of those taken to hospital aged 65 or older. In Tokyo alone, 827 people were taken to hospital last week after collapsing or showing what appeared to be heatstroke-related symptoms.
On Sunday, the mercury topped 35 degrees Celsius at 129 locations with the highest 38.7 degrees Celsius recorded in Tatebayashi City, north of Tokyo, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency urges people to drink water frequently and take an appropriate rest as a precaution against heatstroke. (end) mk.gta