LOC09:50
06:50 GMT
TOKYO, Aug 4 (KUNA) -- A record 11,672 people were taken to hospital by ambulance with symptoms of heatstroke in the week through August second in Japan, 25 of whom died on the way, as summer heart prevailed across the country, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said Tuesday.
The number of heatstroke sufferers was the highest since data become available in 2008, the agency said in a preliminary report, adding that over 300 patients were in serious condition.
The elderly were particularly vulnerable to the high temperatures, with nearly half of those taken to hospital aged 65 or older. In Tokyo, where the mercury topped 35 degrees Celsius four days during last week, 1,095 people were taken to hospital after collapsing or showing what appeared to be heatstroke-related symptoms.
The temperature exceeded 35 degrees Celsius at 153 locations with the highest 38.3 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, 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)
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