Japan heatwave sends over 18,000 to hospital, leaves 45 dead

A total of 18,591 people were hospitalised across Japan for heatstroke and heat-related illnesses between July 20 and 26, while 45 people died, according to Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

The agency said the number of hospitalisations was about 1.8 times higher than the previous week, Caliber.Az reports via Japanese media.

Deaths were registered across the country, including four each in Aichi and Okayama prefectures.

Tokyo recorded the highest number of heat-related admissions with 2,063 cases, followed by Osaka with 1,667 and Aichi with 1,493.

People aged 65 and older accounted for about 58% of all hospitalisations, while roughly 41% of heatstroke cases occurred inside homes.

The agency warned that the extreme heat "can now, without exaggeration, be described as a natural disaster" and urged residents to stay hydrated, use air conditioning, and take precautions against heat-related illness.

By Jeyhun Aghazada