Japan hospitalises over 9,000 people with heatstroke in one week

More than 9,000 people were hospitalised with heatstroke across Japan in the space of a week, with seven fatalities recorded, according to official data released by the country's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

The ministry, which oversees Japan's emergency services, said 9,180 people were admitted to hospital with heat-related illnesses between July 27 and August 2. Seven people died during the reporting period.

Since the ministry began publishing weekly heatstroke figures in early May, more than 52,000 people have been hospitalised nationwide.

The cumulative death toll linked to heatstroke has reached 79, according to the latest data.

By Aghakazim Guliyev